petty

UK: ˈpɛti | US: ˈpɛti

Definition

  1. adj. of little importance; trivial

  2. adj. narrow-minded or ungenerous, especially in trivial matters

  3. adj. secondary in rank or scope; minor

Structure
pet <small>ty <noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "petty" traces back to Old French petit (small), which itself derived from Vulgar Latin pitittus. Over time, the term evolved in Middle English to describe things of minor importance or narrow-minded attitudes, reflecting the original sense of "smallness" metaphorically extended to significance or character.

Examples

  1. She dismissed his complaints as petty grievances.

  2. The manager was criticized for his petty behavior toward employees.

  3. Don’t waste time on petty arguments.

  4. The court handles petty crimes like shoplifting.

  5. His petty jealousy ruined their friendship.