pettiness Definition
the quality of being small-minded or ungenerous; showing an undue concern for trivial matters, especially in a small-minded or spiteful way.
Using pettiness: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "pettiness" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
I can't stand the pettiness of office politics.
Example
Her pettiness towards her ex-boyfriend was evident in her refusal to return his phone calls.
Example
The pettiness of their argument was frustrating to everyone around them.
pettiness Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for pettiness
- spitefulness
- vindictiveness
- meanness
- narrow-mindedness
Antonyms for pettiness
Phrases with pettiness
Example
I need to get some petty cash from the accounting department.
Example
The city has seen an increase in petty crime over the past few months.
a non-commissioned officer in the navy or coast guard, ranking above a seaman and below a chief petty officer
Example
He was promoted to petty officer after serving for five years in the navy.
Summary: pettiness in Brief
The term 'pettiness' [ˈpɛti nəs] refers to the quality of being small-minded or ungenerous, with an undue concern for trivial matters, often in a spiteful way. It is commonly seen in office politics and personal relationships, as in 'Her pettiness towards her ex-boyfriend was evident in her refusal to return his phone calls.' The term extends into phrases like 'petty cash,' denoting a small amount of cash kept on hand for minor expenses.
