The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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trivial

adjective

/ˈtrɪvɪəl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of trivial

Unimportant, insignificant, or of little consequence, often due to a lack of importance, complexity, or seriousness.
"She dismissed his concerns as trivial and unimportant."

Detailed meaning of trivial

When we characterize something as trivial, we emphasize its lack of significance and the fact that it doesn't warrant much attention or consideration. Trivial matters or details are typically minor, inconsequential, and not worthy of substantial thought or concern. Similarly, a trivial problem or issue is one that doesn't pose a significant challenge or require significant effort to resolve. This term conveys a sense of insignificance and a lack of weightiness or gravitas, suggesting that the subject is not worth expending excessive time or energy on. "Trivial" is often used to distinguish matters of little consequence from those that are truly significant or meaningful.

Example sentences containing trivial

1. Don't waste your time arguing over trivial matters.
2. The professor dismissed the student's trivial questions during the lecture.
3. She found the crossword puzzle to be a trivial challenge and finished it quickly.
4. The team decided to focus on important issues rather than getting caught up in trivial details.
5. He was uninterested in the trivial gossip that circulated around the office.
6. The judge considered the evidence to be trivial and inconsequential to the case.

History and etymology of trivial

The adjective 'trivial' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'trivium,' which referred to the three foundational arts of grammar, rhetoric, and logic taught in ancient Roman education. These subjects were considered basic and were typically taught at the entry level of education. Over time, the term 'trivium' came to be associated with things that were common, ordinary, and of little significance, much like the foundational knowledge taught to beginners. This evolution of meaning led to the use of 'trivial' in English to describe things that are unimportant, insignificant, or of little consequence due to their lack of complexity or seriousness. Thus, the etymology of 'trivial' underscores its use as an adjective to convey the notion of something being basic, ordinary, and lacking in importance or significance.

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Further usage examples of trivial

1. The trivial mistake in the recipe led to a disastrous outcome.
2. She rolled her eyes at his trivial complaints about the weather.
3. The trivial task of organizing the files was delegated to the intern.
4. The politician's speech was filled with trivial anecdotes that failed to address the pressing issues.
5. He ignored the trivial distractions and remained focused on his goal.
6. The trivial disagreement between friends was quickly resolved with a simple apology.
7. The critic dismissed the film as a trivial piece of entertainment with no real substance.
8. The teacher reminded the students not to get caught up in trivial distractions during the exam.
9. She realized that her worries were trivial compared to the struggles faced by others.
10. The team decided to prioritize the significant projects over the trivial ones.
11. The article focused on trivial details rather than providing substantial information.
12. The trivial error in the calculation led to inaccurate results.
13. He brushed off the trivial setback and continued his pursuit of success.
14. The historian believed that it was crucial to examine both significant events and trivial aspects of history to gain a comprehensive understanding.
15. The argument over such a trivial matter was not worth their time.
16. He considered the task trivial and did it without much effort.
17. The mistake was trivial and easily corrected.
18. The problem seemed trivial at first, but it turned out to be much more serious.
19. The details in the report were trivial and not relevant to the main topic.
20. The conversation was filled with trivialities and did not add much value.
21. He found the trivia quiz to be a trivial pursuit of knowledge.
22. The difference in price was trivial and not worth worrying about.
23. The decision was trivial and could have been made by anyone.
24. The book was filled with trivial information that was of little interest.
25. He considered his own problems trivial compared to the struggles of others.