Sniveling

Pronunciation: /ˈsnɪvəlɪŋ/

Definitions of sniveling

adjective showing or characterized by a weak, whining attitude or behavior

Example Sentences

A1 She was sniveling after watching a sad movie.

A2 The sniveling child was comforted by his mother.

B1 The sniveling employee was given a tissue by their coworker.

B2 The sniveling student was reprimanded by the teacher for disrupting class.

C1 The sniveling politician tried to gain sympathy from the public.

C2 Her sniveling behavior was seen as a sign of weakness by her colleagues.

Examples of sniveling in a Sentence

formal The sniveling child could not stop crying during the funeral.

informal Stop sniveling and act like a grown-up.

slang Why are you sniveling like a little baby?

figurative Her sniveling attitude towards criticism is getting on my nerves.

Grammatical Forms of sniveling

• past tense: sniveled
• plural: snivelers
• comparative: more sniveling
• superlative: most sniveling
• present tense: snivels
• future tense: will snivel
• perfect tense: have sniveled
• continuous tense: is sniveling
• singular: sniveler
• positive degree: sniveling
• infinitive: to snivel
• gerund: sniveling
• participle: sniveled

Origin and Evolution of sniveling

First Known Use: 1300 year

Language of Origin: Middle English

Story behind the word: The word 'sniveling' originated from the Middle English word 'snivelen', which is believed to have derived from Old English 'snyflan' meaning to sniffle or to run at the nose.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'sniveling' has evolved to not only refer to the physical act of sniffing or sniffling, but also to describe someone who is whining, complaining, or behaving in a cowardly manner.