Pettiness: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe behavior that is trivial or overly concerned with small or unimportant matters, often in a negative way.

• Her pettiness about the seating arrangement at the dinner was frustrating everyone
• His constant pettiness over minor errors was demoralizing the team

Refers to someone who has narrow views, lacks tolerance, and often focuses on trivial matters, negative connotation.

• His small-mindedness about cultural differences made it difficult to work with him
• She was known for her small-mindedness, always finding fault in others' choices

Describes behavior driven by a desire to hurt, annoy, or offend someone, often stemming from malice.

• His spitefulness was evident when he sabotaged her project
• She spoke with spitefulness, aiming to insult and demean her colleague

Characterizes a strong desire for revenge and a willingness to cause pain or harm to others, highly negative connotation.

• His vindictiveness after the breakup led him to spread false rumors about his ex
• She acted with vindictiveness, making sure her actions were as hurtful as possible

Pettiness refers to caring or focusing on trivial matters or details that are not important. It is often used to describe someone's tendency to be overly concerned with small, unimportant things.

• Her pettiness was evident when she argued about who should pay a few cents more for the coffee.
• Despite the important issues at hand, his pettiness kept bringing the discussion back to minor errors.

Meanness generally involves behavior that is unpleasant or unkind, often intentionally hurtful. It carries a strong negative connotation.

• His meanness was clear when he mocked her in front of everyone.
• Despite her wealth, her meanness came through when she refused to help the charity.

Narrow-mindedness refers to a lack of willingness to consider different ideas, opinions, or perspectives. It suggests a rigid or limited way of thinking.

• His narrow-mindedness prevented him from accepting new methods of teaching.
• She showed her narrow-mindedness by refusing to listen to any opinions different from her own.

Grudgingness describes a person who is reluctant to give, share, or praise. It conveys a sense of unwillingness or bad feeling towards doing something usually expected.

• He accepted the apology with grudgingness, barely managing a nod.
• Her grudgingness was obvious when she lent him the book, constantly reminding him to return it.