petty
PEHT-ee
Petty (adj) means Minor or unimportant, especially compared to more serious matters. Example: “Let's not argue over such petty details when the real issue is the deadline.”
adj
1
Minor or unimportant, especially compared to more serious matters.
"Let's not argue over such petty details when the real issue is the deadline."
"It was just a petty disagreement over parking spaces."
"Petty theft carries a much lighter sentence than armed robbery."
2
Small-minded and overly concerned with trivial things, often out of spite.
"Stop being so petty and just admit that she won fairly."
"It was petty of him to hide her pen just to annoy her."
"Refusing to invite her over a years-old joke felt incredibly petty."
How to use petty
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTrivial or small in importance — or, describing a person, small-minded and spiteful about minor things.
Common mistake
Calling a person "petty" is an insult about their character, not just their actions — it implies mean-spirited nitpicking.
Common pairings
petty crime
petty cash
petty argument
so petty
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Word forms
- Plural
- petties
- Comparative
- pettier, more petty
- Superlative
- pettiest, most petty
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Let's not argue over such _____ details when the real issue is the deadline.
Etymology
From Old French petit, "small" — the same root as "petit" and "petite," worn down in English pronunciation and spelling.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
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.
