V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary
petty
adjective
Definition: 1. small in significance, consequence, importance, or amount; 2. narrow in outlook--childish
Synonyms: small, inconsequent, trivial, frivolous, negligible, measly, minor, immature, childish
Antonyms: significant, meaningful, sufficient, mature
Tips: Think of the word petite, which means "small" when referring to a person's size. Petty also means small, but in significance or maturity. In law, a petty crime is a small, rather insignificant crime, such as stealing a candy bar; "petty theft." If someone is being petty the person is focusing on small, trivial, and insignificant details or is being childish (small).
Usage Examples:
The company has petty cash on hand for smaller purchases like lunch and other incidentals. (small, insignificant)
His petty comment about the ugliness of my dress actually hurt my feelings. (trivial, immature)
Even though it's only considered a petty crime, shoplifting should still be punished. (minor, negligible)
The couple's petty arguments annoyed all their friends. (childish, trivial)
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