Pettiest: meaning, definitions and examples

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pettiest

 

[ ˈpɛtiəst ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

describing behavior

The term 'pettiest' is the superlative form of 'petty', used to describe someone who is trivial or concerned with insignificant matters. It often implies a lack of maturity or seriousness, where one's concerns are overly minor or inconsequential. This term can be used to characterize actions or attitudes that focus on small grievances rather than larger issues. It is commonly used in social contexts to criticize someone for being overly concerned about little things.

Synonyms

insignificant, mean-spirited, trivial

Examples of usage

  • She was the pettiest person at the party, arguing about the seating arrangement.
  • His pettiest complaints often distracted from more pressing concerns.
  • They have the pettiest rivalry over whose coffee was better.

Translations

Translations of the word "pettiest" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mesquinho

🇮🇳 छोटी बातें करने वाला

🇩🇪 kleinlich

🇮🇩 kecil hati

🇺🇦 дріб'язковий

🇵🇱 mały

🇯🇵 小さい

🇫🇷 mesquin

🇪🇸 mezquino

🇹🇷 kibirli

🇰🇷 사소한

🇸🇦 تافه

🇨🇿 malicherný

🇸🇰 malicherný

🇨🇳 小气的

🇸🇮 majhen

🇮🇸 smámunur

🇰🇿 кішкентай

🇬🇪 პატარა

🇦🇿 kiçik

🇲🇽 pequeño

Word origin

The word 'petty' originates from the Middle English term 'petit', which means 'small' or 'minor'. This word was borrowed from the Old French 'petit', derived from the Latin 'paucus', meaning 'few' or 'little'. Over time, 'petty' evolved in English to describe not only size but also a lack of significance. The superlative form 'pettiest' emerged as English speakers began to use 'petty' in more subjective and interpersonal contexts, highlighting not just the smallness of issues, but also a certain attitude towards them. The term has been commonly used in social commentary, often to suggest that someone is being unnecessarily contentious over matters that would be better left alone. This shift in usage reflects broader cultural attitudes towards conflict and the nature of human interaction.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,626, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.