Bickering is a common human trait that refers to a petty argument or a small disagreement. We often hear people bickering over trivial matters that do not hold much significance in the grand scheme of things. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of bickered, its origin, synonyms, antonyms, and associations.
Definitions
Bickered is the past tense of bicker, which means to argue about petty matters or engage in a small quarrel. It also refers to a series of short, sharp sounds, such as the sound of a stream or a bird’s chirping.
Origin
The word bickered originated from the Middle English word “bikeren,” which means to skirmish or fight. It is also related to the Old Norse word “bikarr,” which means to quarrel.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, bickered means “to engage in a petty quarrel.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “to argue or quarrel, especially in a petty or irritating manner.”
Associations
Bickering is often associated with couples or siblings who argue over trivial matters. It can also refer to politicians or leaders who engage in petty arguments or disputes.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of bickered include squabbled, argued, wrangled, and quarreled.
Antonyms
Antonyms of bickered include agreed, concurred, and harmonized.
The same root words
Some words that share the same root as bickered include bickering, bickersome, and bickerment.
Example Sentences
- The siblings bickered over who would get the last slice of pizza.
- The politicians bickered over the wording of the bill for hours.
- The sound of the stream bickering in the background was soothing.
- The couple bickered about what movie to watch for hours.
- The birds bickered in the trees, creating a peaceful ambiance.
In conclusion, bickered is a word that describes a petty argument or disagreement. It is often associated with couples, siblings, or politicians who engage in petty disputes. The word originated from Middle English and has various synonyms and antonyms. Understanding the meaning of bickered can help us avoid unnecessary arguments and focus on more important matters.