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Pettily: meaning, definitions and examples

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pettily

 

[ ˈpɛtɪli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

negative behavior

The term ‘pettily’ is used to describe actions or remarks that are trivial or concerned with petty issues. It often denotes a sense of being small-minded or mean-spirited, focusing on insignificant details rather than more important matters. When someone acts pettily, they may engage in behavior that is highly critical, petty, or mean in essence. It suggests a lack of maturity or understanding of what truly matters. This adverb is often employed to criticize someone's actions as being unnecessarily small-minded or spiteful.

Synonyms

meanly, petty, small-mindedly, trivially

Examples of usage

  • She pettily refused to share her notes.
  • He argued pettily over who should get the last piece of cake.
  • They complained pettily about the seating arrangement.
  • Reacting pettily to criticism can hinder personal growth.

Translations

Translations of the word "pettily" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mesquinhamente

🇮🇳 छोटेपन से

🇩🇪 kleinlich

🇮🇩 kecil hati

🇺🇦 дріб'язково

🇵🇱 małostkowo

🇯🇵 狭量に

🇫🇷 mesquinement

🇪🇸 de manera mezquina

🇹🇷 küçük düşürücü bir şekilde

🇰🇷 하찮게

🇸🇦 بصورة ضيقة

🇨🇿 malicherně

🇸🇰 malicherné

🇨🇳 小气地

🇸🇮 majhnozrnato

🇮🇸 smámunar

🇰🇿 кішкентай

🇬🇪 პატარათები

🇦🇿 kiçik şeylərlə

🇲🇽 de manera mezquina

Word origin

The word 'pettily' derives from the adjective 'petty', which has roots in Middle English ‘petit’ meaning 'small' or 'insignificant', borrowed from Old French. The term has evolved in English to indicate things that are of little importance or value, particularly in a negative context. The transition from 'petty' as an adjective to 'pettily' as an adverb reflects a linguistic tendency to derive adverbs from adjectives to describe the manner in which an action is performed. Thus, when someone behaves in a 'petty' manner, they are acting in a way that is small-minded, often focused on insignificant issues. The adverbial form 'pettily' emphasizes this quality in the context of actions or criticisms.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,497, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.