petty
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
From Middle French petit, English since the late 14th century. The disparaging meaning develops during the 16th century.
Pronunciation[edit]
Adjective[edit]
petty (comparative pettier or more petty, superlative pettiest or most petty)
- (obsolete except in set phrases) Little, small, secondary in rank or importance.
- Like a petty god I walked about, admired of all. (Milton, Samson Agonistes, 1671)
- petty officer, petty cash
- Insignificant, trifling, or inconsiderable.
- a petty fault
- Narrow-minded, small-minded.
Derived terms[edit]
Synonyms[edit]
- See also Wikisaurus:insignificant
Translations[edit]
Little, trifling, or inconsiderable, as a petty fault
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See also[edit]
External links[edit]
- petty in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
- petty in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
