petty

[ˈpeti]

Origin

From Old French petit ("small, minor"), from Late Latin pittītus

Meanings

1. (adjective) Of little importance; trivial

   • "He frequently complained about petty problems at work."

2. (adjective) Small-minded, mean or ungenerous in behavior or attitude

   • "She was tired of their petty jealousy and gossip."

3. (adjective) Minor in rank or status

   • "The petty officer supervised the new recruits."

Related Words

• Forms: pettier (comparative), pettiest (superlative)
• Adverb: pettily
• Noun: pettiness
• Synonyms:
  • trivial
  • minor
  • insignificant
  • small-minded
  • narrow-minded
  • mean-spirited

Memory Tricks

1. Think "pet + ty" - like a small pet issue that shouldn't bother you but does
2. Connect to "petit" (French for small) to remember it refers to small or minor matters
3. Remember the phrase "don't sweat the petty things" to recall its meaning of trivial matters

Usage Notes

Often used in phrases:

• petty cash (small amounts of money kept for minor expenses)
• petty crime (minor legal offenses)
• petty grievances (minor complaints)