paltry
Paltry (adj) means So small in amount or value as to be almost insulting; trivial or worthless. Example: “He was offered a paltry sum for the antique vase.”
How to use paltry
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes an amount, effort, or excuse so small or weak that it feels almost disrespectful.
Word forms
paltrier comparative, paltriest superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He was offered a _____ sum for the antique vase.
Etymology
From Middle Low German paltrig ("ragged, worthless"), from a root meaning "rag" or "scrap of cloth" — the idea of something as worthless as a torn rag carried over into the modern sense of "trivial" or "insultingly small."
Frequently asked questions
What does “paltry” mean?
The word “paltry” means so small in amount or value as to be almost insulting; trivial or worthless. In plain terms, describes an amount, effort, or excuse so small or weak that it feels almost disrespectful.
How do you pronounce “paltry”?
“Paltry” is pronounced POLT-ree (/ˈpɔltɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “paltry” in a sentence?
Here is “paltry” used in a sentence: “He was offered a paltry sum for the antique vase.”
What part of speech is “paltry”?
“Paltry” is an adjective.
Where does the word “paltry” come from?
The word “paltry” comes from German.
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