What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
paltry
Example
The company offered a paltry sum as compensation for the damages caused. [paltry: adjective]
Example
He was disappointed with the paltry turnout at his event. [paltry: noun]
trivial
Example
The professor dismissed the student's question as trivial and irrelevant. [trivial: adjective]
Example
She spent hours worrying about trivial matters instead of focusing on the bigger picture. [trivial: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Trivial is more commonly used than paltry in everyday language. Trivial is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while paltry is less common and refers to something that is considered to be of little worth or significance.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between paltry and trivial?
Paltry is more formal than trivial, which is often used in casual conversation. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context.
