adj
Uncommon
petit
PEH-tee
Petit (adj) means Small or minor in scale or importance (often used in legal or formal phrases). Example: “The offense was classed as petit larceny rather than a felony.”
adj
1
Small or minor in scale or importance (often used in legal or formal phrases).
"The offense was classed as petit larceny rather than a felony."
"A petit jury decides the facts of a single case, unlike a grand jury."
How to use petit
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA slightly old-fashioned or legal word meaning small or minor, mostly surviving in set phrases like "petit jury" and "petit larceny."
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "petite," which describes a person's small, slim build — "petit" is the masculine/general legal form.
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Word forms
- Plural
- petits
- Comparative
- more petit
- Superlative
- most petit
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The offense was classed as _____ larceny rather than a felony.
Etymology
From Old French petit, "small" — the same root that gives English "petty" and "petite."
Frequently asked questions
What does “petit” mean?
The word “petit” means small or minor in scale or importance (often used in legal or formal phrases). In plain terms, a slightly old-fashioned or legal word meaning small or minor, mostly surviving in set phrases like "petit jury" and "petit larceny.".
How do you pronounce “petit”?
“Petit” is pronounced PEH-tee (/ˈpɛtət/ in IPA).
How do you use “petit” in a sentence?
Here is “petit” used in a sentence: “The offense was classed as petit larceny rather than a felony.”
What part of speech is “petit”?
“Petit” is an adjective.
Where does the word “petit” come from?
The word “petit” comes from Old French. From Old French petit, "small" — the same root that gives English "petty" and "petite.".
Is “petit” a common word?
“Petit” is an uncommon word in modern English.
