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trifling — of little importance or value; trivial

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: of little importance or value; trivial

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈtraɪflɪŋ/

Example Sentences

  • He got fired over a trifling mistake like using comic sans font in the company presentation.
  • The billionaire considered a million dollars a trifling sum.
  • She spent three hours arguing about the trifling issue of whether to use blue or navy blue for the website.

trifling

ADJECTIVE

[/ˈtraɪflɪŋ/]

of little importance or value; trivial

They argued for an hour over a trifling difference of two cents on the bill.
💡 Concept

They argued for an hour over a trifling difference of two cents on the bill.

The shopkeeper dismissed the customer's complaint as trifling because the missing amount was only a few cents. (Think: A tiny trifle → a trifling matter.)
🧠 Mnemonic

The shopkeeper dismissed the customer's complaint as trifling because the missing amount was only a few cents. (Think: A tiny trifle → a trifling matter.)

The trifling argument became stifling, so the manager stopped the meeting and began rifling through the files.
🎵 Rhyme

The trifling argument became stifling, so the manager stopped the meeting and began rifling through the files.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈtraɪflɪŋ/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈtraɪflɪŋ/

🌳Etymology

Roottrifle
Suffix--ing

Origin

From Middle English 'triflen', derived from Old French 'trufe' meaning joke or mockery. The word evolved from meaning 'to deceive or trick' to 'to treat carelessly or as unimportant'.

Breakdown

trifle (root meaning 'something of little importance') + -ing (present participle/adjective suffix)

🎵Rhyme

rifling
stifling

🔗Collocations

trifling matter
trifling amount
trifling concern
trifling detail
trifling excuse

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“He got fired over a trifling mistake like using comic sans font in the company presentation.”

“The billionaire considered a million dollars a trifling sum.”

😄 Fun example

“She spent three hours arguing about the trifling issue of whether to use blue or navy blue for the website.”

“Don't let trifling disagreements ruin your friendship.”

📚Related Words

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