What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
triflingness
Example
The argument was over trifling matters that didn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. [triflingness: noun]
Example
She dismissed his comments as trifling and irrelevant. [trifling: adjective]
pettiness
Example
His pettiness was evident in the way he nitpicked at every little detail. [pettiness: noun]
Example
She was being petty when she refused to speak to him over a minor disagreement. [petty: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pettiness is more commonly used than triflingness in everyday language, as it has a stronger negative connotation and is more versatile in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between triflingness and pettiness?
Both triflingness and pettiness are considered informal and are not typically used in formal contexts.
