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niggling - 5 dictionary results

nig⋅gling

  [nig-ling]
Use niggling in a Sentence
–adjective
1. petty; trivial; inconsequential: to quibble about a niggling difference in terminology.
2. demanding too much care, attention, time, etc.: niggling chores about the house.
Origin:
1590–1600; niggle + -ing 2

Related forms:
nig⋅gling⋅ly, adverb

nig⋅gle

  [nig-uhl]
–verb (used without object), -gled, -gling.
1. to criticize, esp. constantly or repeatedly, in a peevish or petty way; carp: to niggle about the fine points of interpretation; preferring to niggle rather than take steps to correct a situation.
2. to spend too much time and effort on inconsequential details: It's difficult to be meticulous and not niggle.
3. to work ineffectively; trifle: to niggle with an uninteresting task.
Origin:
1610–20; < Scand; cf. Norw nigla to be penurious (ult. < ON hnøggr stingy, c. OE hnēaw); cf. niggard

Related forms:
niggler, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To niggling
nig·gle   (nĭg'əl)   
intr.v.   nig·gled, nig·gling, nig·gles
  1. To be preoccupied with trifles or petty details.
  2. To find fault constantly and trivially; carp. See Synonyms at quibble.

[Perhaps of Scandinavian origin.]
nig'gler n.
nig·gling   (nĭg'lĭng)   
adj.  
  1. Petty, especially in a nagging or annoying way; trifling: a pointless dispute over niggling details.
  2. Overly concerned with details; exacting and fussy.
nig'gling n., nig'gling·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Niggling

Nig"gling\, n. Finicky or pottering work; specif. (Fine Arts), minute and very careful workmanship in drawing, painting, or the like, esp. when bestowed on unimportant detail.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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