Definitions
- Used to emphasize the smallness or insignificance of something. - Referring to something that is only what it appears to be and nothing more. - Describing something that is considered to be just a simple or basic version of something else.
- Referring to something that is unimportant or insignificant. - Describing something that is considered to be of little value or consequence. - Used to describe something that is not worth much attention or consideration.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe things that are not significant.
- 2Both words can be used to downplay the importance of something.
- 3Both words can be used to indicate that something is not worth much attention.
What is the difference?
- 1Scope: Mere emphasizes the smallness or simplicity of something, while trivial emphasizes its lack of importance or value.
- 2Usage: Mere is often used to emphasize the contrast between something that is small or basic and something that is complex or significant, while trivial is used to describe something that is not worth much attention or consideration.
- 3Connotation: Mere can have a neutral or positive connotation, while trivial has a negative connotation.
- 4Intensity: Mere is a milder term than trivial, which implies that something is not only unimportant but also unworthy of attention or consideration.
- 5Subjectivity: Trivial is a more subjective term than mere, as what one person considers trivial may be important to another person.
Remember this!
Mere and trivial are synonyms that both describe things that are not significant. However, mere emphasizes the smallness or simplicity of something, while trivial emphasizes its lack of importance or value. Mere can have a neutral or positive connotation, while trivial has a negative connotation and implies that something is not only unimportant but also unworthy of attention or consideration.
