Petty: meaning, definitions and examples

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petty

[ˈpɛti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

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. She got into a petty argument about the smallest things It's petty to hold a grudge over such a minor mistake
trivial	Used to describe something that is very small or unimportant, often implying that it lacks significance. They discussed several trivial issues at the meeting It was a trivial mistake that was easily corrected
insignificant	Used to describe something that has little or no importance or value. The error was so insignificant that no one noticed it Compared to the achievements of her teammates, her contribution seemed insignificant
minor	Used to describe something that is of lesser importance, seriousness, or significance. He had a minor injury that healed quickly The company made a few minor changes to the proposal

Examples of usage

He's too petty to accept criticism.
She refused to pay back the petty cash she had borrowed.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

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. He's always so petty about the smallest mistakes. Her petty complaints make it difficult to have a productive conversation.
nitpicking	Refers to focusing on and criticizing small, unimportant details. Often used in a negative context to imply excessive or annoying criticism. Stop nitpicking and look at the bigger picture. His nitpicking about every little mistake slows down the project.
fussy	Used to describe someone who is overly careful or particular about details, often related to preferences or dislikes, can be mildly negative. She's fussy about how her desk is organized. The baby is fussy and won't stop crying.
overly concerned	Describes someone who is excessively worried about something, often beyond what is necessary or reasonable. She's overly concerned about her appearance. He gets overly concerned about meeting deadlines.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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 Shakespeare’s 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.

Translations

Translations of the word "petty" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mesquinho

🇮🇳 छोटा

🇩🇪 kleinlich

🇮🇩 kecil

🇺🇦 дріб'язковий

🇵🇱 drobiazgowy

🇯🇵 些細な

🇫🇷 mesquin

🇪🇸 mezquino

🇹🇷 önemsiz

🇰🇷 사소한

🇸🇦 تافه

🇨🇿 malicherný

🇸🇰 malicherný

🇨🇳 微不足道的

🇸🇮 malenkosten

🇮🇸 smámunasöm

🇰🇿 ұсақ

🇬🇪 წვრილმანი

🇦🇿 xırda

🇲🇽 mezquino

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,931 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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6928 bundle
6929 breeze
6930 stamped
6931 petty
6932 amusement
6933 enlargement
6934 scanned
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