Petty Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
petty
[หpษti ]
Definitions
behavior
of little importance or small amount; trivial
Synonyms
insignificant, minor, trivial.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| petty |
Used to describe something that is small-minded or overly concerned with unimportant details, often with a negative connotation.
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| trivial |
Used to describe something that is very small or unimportant, often implying that it lacks significance.
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| insignificant |
Used to describe something that has little or no importance or value.
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| minor |
Used to describe something that is of lesser importance, seriousness, or significance.
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Examples of usage
- He's too petty to accept criticism.
- She refused to pay back the petty cash she had borrowed.
mindset
having or showing an excessive concern with unimportant details
Synonyms
fussy, nitpicking, overly concerned.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| petty |
Used to describe someone who is overly concerned with small, insignificant details, often in a negative or trivial way.
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| nitpicking |
Refers to focusing on and criticizing small, unimportant details. Often used in a negative context to imply excessive or annoying criticism.
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| fussy |
Used to describe someone who is overly careful or particular about details, often related to preferences or dislikes, can be mildly negative.
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| overly concerned |
Describes someone who is excessively worried about something, often beyond what is necessary or reasonable.
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Examples of usage
- Don't be so petty about the decorations, it's not a big deal.
- She's always petty about how things are arranged.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- People who dwell on petty issues may struggle with larger life challenges because they focus on trivial matters.
- Studies suggest that a tendency towards pettiness in relationships can lead to conflict and unhappiness.
- In some cases, pettiness can stem from feelings of insecurity, with individuals projecting their fears onto minor issues.
Pop Culture
- The term 'petty' has become popular in social media, often used to describe minor dramas or conflicts that are blown out of proportion.
- In music, the song 'Petty' by artist Dua Lipa plays on the idea of refusing to engage in trivial arguments in a relationship.
- Reality TV shows often highlight petty behaviors among cast members, making it a common theme in modern entertainment.
Literature
- Classic literature often uses petty conflicts to highlight deeper moral or social issues, such as in Shakespeareโs plays.
- In George Orwell's 'Animal Farm', petty squabbles among characters represent larger themes of power and control.
- The concept of pettiness has been explored in various literary genres, illustrating the smallness of human nature amidst grander narratives.
Origin of 'petty'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'petty' comes from the Old French word 'petit', meaning small.
- It was first used in English around the 14th century to describe something of lesser importance.
- Over time, the meaning has evolved to also describe a kind of behavior related to small-mindedness.
The word 'petty' originated from the Middle English word 'petit', which means small or insignificant. Over time, its meaning evolved to include the idea of being overly concerned with trivial matters. The word has been used in English literature for centuries to describe behavior or attitudes that are considered unimportant or small-minded.