trivial

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   So small or unimportant that it hardly deserves attention.

   Grammar: Can be used before a noun or after a verb: a trivial matter; the difference is trivial.

   Patterns

   • trivial to someone
   • trivial compared to something

   They argued over a trivial detail in the contract.

   The cost is trivial compared to the benefits.

   Don't worry about such trivial mistakes.

2. 2adjectivenot comparabletechnical

   Very easy to solve or do, needing almost no effort or thought.

   Grammar: Often used in math and computing: a trivial case.

   Patterns

   • trivial for someone

   The proof is trivial once you notice the symmetry.

   For an experienced programmer, the fix is trivial.

Word forms

Common combinations

trivial matter

It was a trivial matter, quickly settled.

seemingly trivial

A seemingly trivial error caused the delay.

far from trivial

The task is far from trivial.

trivial detail

She fixed on a trivial detail.

trivial pursuits

He thought video games were trivial pursuits.

Synonyms and how they differ

minor

Minor is a neutral word for lesser importance, while trivial can sound dismissive.

petty

Petty suggests small-minded behavior, not just small importance.

insignificant

Insignificant stresses having no real effect, and sounds more formal.

negligible

Negligible is used for amounts so small they can be ignored.

Opposites

Word family

trivially adverb

in a trivial way or very easily

triviality noun

something trivial, or the quality of being trivial

trivialize verb

to make something seem less important than it is

trivia noun

small facts or details of little importance

Commonly confused: trivial or trivia?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “trivial”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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