Cavillous

/kæˈvɪləs/ adjective

Definition

Inclined to cavil; characterized by petty criticism or fault-finding; quarrelsome.

Etymology

Formed from Latin 'cavillous' or created in English from 'cavil' with the adjectival suffix '-ous,' meaning 'full of' or 'characterized by' caviling behavior.

Kelly Says

Cavillous is an archaic or very formal adjective—modern English prefers simpler words like 'critical' or 'nitpicky,' showing how vocabulary evolves toward efficiency!

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