Trifling Meaning and Definition
Part of Speech
Pronoun or Adjective
Definition
<adj.> Considered to be of little or no importance; insignificant: <Trifling matters that were brushed aside>; <pron> used to describe a small or unimportant amount of something: <i had a trifling bit of food left in the fridge>.
Examples
- The project manager dismissed the issue as a trifling matter.
- Few expected the presidential debate to be a trifling affair.
- Some critics describe the indie film as a trifling exercise in style.
- A trifling error in the coding led to the software’s failure.
- Francoise’s trifling gesture of kindness went unnoticed by the recipient.
Synonyms
- Minor
- Insignificant
- Trivial
Antonyms
- Substantial
- Essential
- Significant
- Important
Etymology
The word trifling comes from the Old French word ‘trifler’, meaning ‘to play or dally’.
Usage Notes
When using the word as an adjective, oftentimes it implies that something is of little significance or importance. As a pronoun, it can be used to describe a small or insignificant amount of something. For instance, an author might write that she had a trifling amount of time to finish writing the chapter.
Cultural References
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
<it’s the trifling things in life that bring us joy>.; <he took a trifling peek at the gift>.
Related Words or Phrases
Insignificant, insignificant, unimportant, small, minor.
Collocations
trifling matter, trifling affair, trifling concerns.
Frequency of Use
The word trifling is used less frequently than some other words, but its usage has increased over the past few decades.
Common Misspellings
trivling, trueling, trivally.