Trifled: meaning, definitions and examples
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trifled
[ˈtraɪfəld ]
Definition
casual context
To 'trifle' typically means to treat something as if it has little value or importance. In a broader sense, it refers to engaging in superficial or trivial matters, often at the expense of more significant concerns. It can also imply wasting time or engaging in frivolous activities that do not lead to any meaningful outcome. When someone trifles with a situation, they are not taking it seriously and may be viewed as being careless or disrespectful.
Synonyms
dawdle, flirt, fritter, play, waste.
Examples of usage
- He trifled with his studies instead of focusing on his future.
- Don't trifle with my feelings—be honest with me.
- They trifled away their chances of success.
- She trifled with the art project instead of applying herself.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the old French word 'trifler', meaning 'to waste' or 'to treat lightly'.
- Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word 'trifolium', referring to clover, which has three leaves, again suggesting 'trivial' or 'small things'.
Literature
- The term appears in Shakespeare's works, notably in 'Hamlet', where it implies treating serious matters lightly.
- Charles Dickens used the word to illustrate characters that don’t take life or their responsibilities seriously.
Psychology
- Trivializing events can be a coping mechanism, helping people deal with stress by minimizing its importance.
- Over time, continuously trifling with serious issues can lead to avoidance behavior, where individuals start ignoring genuine concerns.
Pop Culture
- In modern context, referring to someone's love as trifled can hint at a lack of commitment, often heard in songs about relationships.
- Several hundred years ago, 'trifling' was used in card games, describing moves that were not serious or that played with less importance.
Philosophy
- Philosophers have debated the concept of 'trifling' as it relates to the value we assign to actions and decisions, questioning what truly matters.
- Existentialists might argue that trifling with life's meaning can lead to a sense of absurdity regarding human existence.
Translations
Translations of the word "trifled" in other languages:
🇵🇹 desdenhado
🇮🇳 तिरस्कारित
🇩🇪 geringfügig
🇮🇩 diabaikan
🇺🇦 зневажений
🇵🇱 lekceważony
🇯🇵 軽視された
🇫🇷 méprisé
🇪🇸 menospreciado
🇹🇷 önemsiz
🇰🇷 경시된
🇸🇦 مُحتَقَر
🇨🇿 opovrhovaný
🇸🇰 pohrdnutý
🇨🇳 被轻视的
🇸🇮 zaničevan
🇮🇸 lítill
🇰🇿 құрметтелмеген
🇬🇪 გატყეული
🇦🇿 kiçik
🇲🇽 menospreciado