What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
toyer
Example
He toyed with the pen while he was thinking. [toyer: verb]
Example
She was just toying with his emotions and had no intention of being in a relationship. [toying: gerund or present participle]
trifle
Example
Don't trifle with me, I need to know if you're serious. [trifle: verb]
Example
She spent the afternoon trifle-ing around on her phone instead of doing her work. [trifling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Trifle is more commonly used than toyer in everyday language. Trifle is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while toyer is less common and may be considered more formal or archaic.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between toyer and trifle?
While toyer is typically associated with a more formal tone, trifle is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
