noun / verb
trifle
TRY-ful/ˈtraɪfl/
Something regarded as having little importance or seriousness.
The tiny plastic ring seems a trifle beside the other gifts.
Etymology
From Old French trufle, “mockery,” the English word first meant an idle tale or nonsense, then a playful diversion. It came to denote something of little importance or value.
In context
it is a very common thing for Kings to be dethroned and as for the honor we have had of supping in their company it is a trifle not worth our attention
More examples
- They argued over trifles.
- Do not trifle with her confidence.
- He trifled with a serious matter.
Forms
trifle · trifles · trifled · trifling
Similar words
- triviality
- An unimportant matter without necessarily the playful tone.
- detail
- A small feature that may still be important.