adjective
petty
PET-ee/ˈpeti/
Of little importance or seriousness.
The worker's petty complaint about one paper clip distracts from the substantial project.
Etymology
From petit, “small,” petty first described size or rank without criticism. Its sense shifted through “of little importance” to “small-minded,” turning smallness into a judgment about someone's concerns or outlook.
In context
Reputation is everything in this industry, especially in small towns. And if a family dares to use someone else, that gossip spreads like wildfire. It's petty.
More examples
- Don't let petty annoyances ruin your day.
- The court handles petty offenses.
- She refuses to worry about such petty details.
Forms
petty · pettier · pettiest
pettiness noun — The quality of being unimportant or trivial.