trivial
Say it: TRIV-ee-ul /ˈtrɪviəl/ · adjective
What “trivial” means
Too small or unimportant to matter much.
More precisely: Of little value or importance.
Example: “Don't let a trivial argument about dishes ruin the whole evening.”
When to use it
Use it in everyday conversation to put a minor detail or problem in perspective, sometimes with a dismissive tone.
Similar words
minor, petty, insignificant
Where it comes from
From Latin trivium, a place where three roads meet.
Quick check
The party went brilliantly, but one napkin was a slightly different shade of blue. How important is that detail?
crucial or trivial?
Show the answer
trivial
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