Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

petty

adjective

/ˈpɛti/

Definition

Petty refers to something that is of little importance or trivial.

Examples

His petty complaints about the weather were getting tiresome.
She was too petty to let go of the small argument they had last week.
In a petty rivalry, he often tried to one-up his friends over insignificant things.

Meaning

When someone describes an issue or a person as petty, they mean that it is insignificant or unworthy of serious consideration. This term often carries a negative connotation, implying a focus on small, minor details to the detriment of larger, more important matters.