The correct spelling of the phrase "more caviling" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). "More" is pronounced as /mɔr/, with the "o" sound being an open-mid back rounded vowel. "Caviling" is pronounced as /ˈkævəlɪŋ/, with the "a" sound being a short open front unrounded vowel and the "i" sound being a short lax vowel. The word "caviling" means to find fault in a petty or trivial way. The phrase "more caviling" would mean to engage in this behavior to a greater extent.
The term "more caviling" refers to a tendency or habit of engaging in excessive and trivial fault-finding, criticism, or argumentation with the intention of undermining or dismissing the validity of someone or something else's ideas, opinions, or actions. It involves the act of nit-picking or raising petty objections in a way that is often unnecessary, unproductive, or aimed at simply provoking a reaction rather than contributing constructively to a discussion or debate.
People who engage in more caviling often focus on inconsequential details, tangential issues, or minor flaws, taking them out of context or blowing them out of proportion in an attempt to belittle or discredit their target. The aim is typically to create doubt, sow confusion, or cast doubt on the credibility or worth of another's arguments or opinions without offering substantial or genuine counter-arguments.
More caviling can be seen as a form of sophistry or intellectual dishonesty, as it typically involves evading the core substance of an argument or disregarding its merit by emphasizing perceived weaknesses or trivialities. It can also hinder the progress of meaningful discussion and hinder the search for mutual understanding or consensus.
In summary, more caviling involves an excessive penchant for trivial criticism aimed at undermining or dismissing the validity of someone's ideas, opinions, or actions. It represents a tendency to focus on minor flaws or tangential issues while neglecting the core substance of an argument, often in an attempt to provoke a reaction or discredit the other party rather than constructively contributing to a discussion or debate.
The word "caviling" comes from the Middle English term "cavilen", which originated from the Old French word "caviller". This Old French term meant "to mock" or "to ridicule", and it ultimately derived from the Latin word "cavillari", meaning "to jest" or "to quibble". The addition of the word "more" as a prefix simply intensifies the meaning, suggesting a higher degree of caviling or excessive questioning.