Meaning & Definition of word "Pettiness"

Pettiness

/ˈpɛt.i.nəs/

1. the quality of being petty; trivial or insignificant matters.
- Example: His pettiness was evident when he argued over a few cents on the bill.
2. lack of generosity or importance; meanness.
- Example: She couldn't believe the pettiness of her co-workers, who quarreled over who would get the last donut.
3. a tendency to focus on small, insignificant details or trivial matters.
- Example: The pettiness of the debate over the office seating arrangement surprised everyone.
4. narrow-mindedness or small-mindedness.
- Example: He let his pettiness prevent him from enjoying the larger picture of the event.

Derived from the word 'petty', which originated from Old French 'petit' meaning small.

don't sweat the small stuff:

Don't worry about minor issues.

making a mountain out of a molehill:

Exaggerating a small problem.

small-mindedness:

The state of having a limited or narrow perspective.

triviality:

Something that is of little importance or value.

Meaning: Being unnecessarily petty or small-minded.

Example Sentence: Stop being so petty about it!

Meaning: Obsessing over small details or issues.

Example Sentence: Her friend called her out for being petty when she brought up old arguments.