niggle

/'nigl/

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Explanation of the Word "Niggle"

Definition:
The verb "niggle" means to worry or complain about small, unimportant things. It can also refer to arguing about minor details, often in a way that seems unnecessary or excessive.

Usage Instructions:

• "Niggle" is usually used in informal contexts.
• You can use it when talking about worry or fussing over something that is not a big deal.
• It is often followed by words like "about" or "over."

Examples:

1. Worrying: "I keep niggling about whether I remembered to lock the door."
2. Complaining: "They always niggle over the smallest details in the project."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "niggle" can be used to describe a persistent but minor annoyance or worry. For instance, you might say, "A nagging feeling began to niggle at her conscience."

Word Variants:

• Niggled (past tense): "He niggled over the plans last night."
• Niggles (plural noun): "I have a few niggles about the new policy."

Different Meanings:

1. Minor Annoyance: "Niggle" can also refer to a slight discomfort or irritation, like a small pain that bothers you.
   • Example: "I have a niggle in my back that won’t go away."

Synonyms:

• Worry
• Fuss
• Quibble
• Nitpick
• Complain

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "niggle" does not have widely recognized idioms or phrasal verbs associated with it, it is often used in phrases like: - "Don't niggle over the small stuff." (Meaning: Don't worry about minor issues.)

Conclusion:

In summary, "niggle" is a word that describes worrying or complaining about things that are not very important.

Academic

Verb

1. argue over petty things
   • Let's not quibble over pennies
2. worry unnecessarily or excessively
   • don't fuss too much over the grandchildren--they are quite big now

Synonyms

• quibble
• pettifog
• bicker
• squabble
• brabble
• fuss
• fret