petty
Petty (adj) means Minor or unimportant, especially compared to more serious matters. Example: “It was just a petty disagreement over parking spaces.”
How to use petty
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTrivial or small in importance — or, describing a person, small-minded and spiteful about minor things.
Calling a person "petty" is an insult about their character, not just their actions — it implies mean-spirited nitpicking.
Word forms
pettier comparative, more petty comparative, petties plural, Pettys plural, pettiest superlative, most petty superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It was just a _____ disagreement over parking spaces.
Etymology
From Old French petit, "small" — the same root as "petit" and "petite," worn down in English pronunciation and spelling.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for petty
See all rhymes for petty →Frequently asked questions
What does “petty” mean?
The word “petty” means minor or unimportant, especially compared to more serious matters. In plain terms, trivial or small in importance — or, describing a person, small-minded and spiteful about minor things.
How do you pronounce “petty”?
“Petty” is pronounced PEHT-ee (/ˈpɛt.i/ in IPA).
How do you use “petty” in a sentence?
Here is “petty” used in a sentence: “It was just a petty disagreement over parking spaces.”
What part of speech is “petty”?
“Petty” is an adjective.
Where does the word “petty” come from?
The word “petty” comes from Old French. From Old French petit, "small" — the same root as "petit" and "petite," worn down in English pronunciation and spelling.
Is “petty” a common word?
“Petty” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “petty” have?
“Petty” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: minor or unimportant, especially compared to more serious matters.
What is the difference between petty and trivial?
Trivial neutrally describes things of little importance: a trivial detail, a trivial error. Petty can carry the same 'minor' meaning, as in petty crime, but when applied to people or behavior it adds a judgment of spiteful small-mindedness. A dispute can be trivial; a person who prolongs it is petty.
Is petty always negative?
As a description of people or behavior, yes — petty implies small-mindedness or spite and is never a compliment. In fixed phrases like petty cash and petty theft, however, it simply means small in scale, with no judgment of character intended.