What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
trifling
Example
Don't worry about the trifling details, focus on the bigger picture. [trifling: adjective]
Example
The cost of the repairs was trifling compared to the overall budget. [trifling: adjective]
petty
Example
He was fired for a petty offense, such as being late to work. [petty: adjective]
Example
She's always arguing over petty things, like who gets to use the office printer. [petty: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Petty is more commonly used than trifling in everyday language. Petty is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while trifling is less common and refers to a specific type of small or insignificant thing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between trifling and petty?
Both trifling and petty are informal words that are not typically used in formal contexts. However, petty is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
