bickering
Definition
Noun: A noisy, often petty, and continuous argument or quarrel, typically about trivial matters. It implies a back-and-forth exchange of sharp, petty disagreements.
Usage
The word "bickering" is used to describe persistent, irritating quarreling, often characterized by a lack of seriousness in the subject matter. It is commonly applied to arguments between people who know each other well, such as family members, friends, or colleagues.
Examples
- The constant bickering between the two siblings annoyed their parents.
- The committee's progress was slowed by endless bickering over minor details.
- Their political debate quickly devolved into petty bickering.
Advanced Usage
- "To be bickering": This verb form (present participle of "bicker") is frequently used to describe the ongoing action.
- The couple next door is always bickering about household chores.
- "Bickering and...": Often paired with other nouns to emphasize trivial conflict.
- The meeting was full of bickering and infighting.
Variants and Related Words
- Bicker (verb): To engage in a petty quarrel.
- They would bicker over who left the light on.
- Bickerer (noun): A person who frequently bickers (less common).
Synonyms
- Squabbling
- Wrangling
- Arguing
- Sparring
- Pettifogging (formal, implies arguing over trivial details)
Antonyms
- Agreement
- Harmony
- Concord
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "To bicker back and forth": Emphasizes the repetitive, non-productive nature of the argument.
- They spent the whole car trip bickering back and forth about the map.
Noun
-
a quarrel about petty points
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