Bicker is a commonly used word in the English language, which is often used to describe a minor and petty argument or dispute. It is a word that is often used in everyday conversation and can be found in various forms of literature. This article will explore the definition, origin, meaning in different dictionaries, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences of the word bicker.
Definitions
Bicker is a verb that means to argue or quarrel about something that is unimportant or trivial. It can also be used to describe the sound of a series of short, sharp, and rapid sounds, like the sound of a brook or a stream.
Origin
The word bicker has its origins in the Old Norse word “bikarr,” which means to fight or quarrel. It was later adopted into Middle English as “bikeren” and eventually became “bicker” in Modern English.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of bicker can vary slightly depending on the dictionary. For example, the Oxford English Dictionary defines bicker as “to engage in a petty quarrel, to squabble.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “to engage in a petty quarrel.” However, both dictionaries agree that bicker is a verb that is used to describe a minor argument or dispute.
Associations
Bicker is often associated with minor and petty arguments or disputes that are not worth the effort or time spent on them. It can also be associated with the sound of a brook or a stream, as it is often used to describe the sound of water flowing over rocks.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of bicker include argue, quarrel, squabble, bickering, wrangle, and dispute.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of bicker include agree, concur, harmonize, reconcile, and unite.
The same root words
The word bicker shares its root with other words such as bike, which comes from the Old Norse word “bik,” meaning to bend or curve. The word bicker also shares its root with the word “bickerstaff,” which is a type of staff used by shepherds to support themselves while walking.
Example Sentences
- The siblings bickered over who got to sit in the front seat of the car.
- The couple bickered about what to have for dinner.
- The sound of the bickering brook was soothing to the hikers.
- The neighbors bickered over the property line for months.
- The politicians bickered over the budget for hours on end.