Petty

/ˈpɛti/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

of little importance; trivial.

She didn't want to get involved in the petty arguments between her coworkers.

having a mean or spiteful character.

His petty jealousy caused a rift between friends.

small or minor in nature.

The petty details of the contract can be overlooked for now.

Middle English, from Old French 'petit' meaning small, little.

petty crime

A minor crime that is not serious.

petty grievances

Trivial complaints that are not important.

petty cash

A small amount of cash kept for minor expenses.

pettiness

the quality of being petty.

petulance

the quality of being childishly sulky or bad-tempered.

A term used to describe someone who is overly concerned with trivial matters.

Don't be so petty about the seating arrangements.

Referring to actions or remarks that are small-minded or mean.

Her petty comments really dampened the mood.