Basic Details
Word: Bickering
Part of Speech: Verb (present participle of "bicker")
Meaning: To argue or quarrel in a petty, childish way.
Synonyms: Quarreling, arguing, squabbling
Antonyms: Agreeing, reconciling, cooperating
Idioms and Phrases
- Bicker like an old married couple: Used to describe two people who argue frequently, often in a playful or affectionate manner. Example: "They bicker like an old married couple, but it's clear they care deeply for each other."
- Bickering over crumbs: To argue about something small and insignificant. Example: "They were bickering over crumbs while the bigger project was being ignored."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The children were bickering over who got to play with the toy first.
Example 2: Instead of helping each other with the project, they spent the whole time bickering about whose idea was better.
Example 3: The siblings were bickering during dinner, making it difficult for their parents to enjoy the meal.
Fun Fact
The word "bicker" comes from the Middle English word "bickeren," which is believed to be imitative of the sound of bickering itselfmuch like the squabbling arguments we hear today!
Famous Quote
"When two friends bicker, it's usually a sign of a true friendship where both feel comfortable expressing their opinions." Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "bickering" mean?
a) To play peacefully
b) To argue in a petty way
c) To collaborate
d) To tell a story
Answer: b) To argue in a petty way
2. Which of these is a synonym of "bickering"?
a) Discussing
b) Quarreling
c) Cooperating
d) Helping
Answer: b) Quarreling
3. Which sentence uses "bickering" correctly?
a) The children were bickering about the sunny day.
b) The pair decided to stop bickering and solve the problem together.
c) She was bickering quietly in the library.
d) The team was bickering while practising for the play.
Answer: b) The pair decided to stop bickering and solve the problem together.
4. Which idiom means the same as "bickering"?
a) Playing with fire
b) Bicker like an old married couple
c) Barking up the wrong tree
d) Castles in the air
Answer: b) Bicker like an old married couple
5. What is the opposite of "bickering"?
a) Arguing
b) Reconciling
c) Squabbling
d) Bothering
Answer: b) Reconciling
