Basic Details
Word: Trifling
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Unimportant or insignificant; not worth much attention.
Synonyms: Insignificant, trivial, petty
Antonyms: Important, significant, substantial
Idioms and Phrases
- Don't sweat the trifles: Don't worry about unimportant things. Example: "When studying for exams, remember to focus on what matters; don't sweat the trifles."
- A trifling matter: Something that is not serious or important. Example: "He dismissed the argument as a trifling matter that shouldnt affect their friendship."
Usage Examples
Example 1: She realised that worrying about the weather was trifling compared to her upcoming exams.
Example 2: The discussion turned trifling after everyone started making silly jokes.
Example 3: He considered his late arrival trifling; his friends were just happy to see him.
Fun Fact
The word "trifling" originates from the Latin word "trifolium," which means "three-leaved" and was later associated with trifles in terms of things that are of little value, just like the small clovers of nature.
Famous Quote
"The things that matter most should never be at the mercy of the things that matter least." Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "trifling" mean?
a) Very valuable
b) Unimportant
c) Very large
d) Unusual
Answer: b) Unimportant
2. Which of these is a synonym of "trifling"?
a) Significant
b) Trivial
c) Serious
d) Valuable
Answer: b) Trivial
3. Which sentence uses "trifling" correctly?
a) The trifling dog barked loudly.
b) The trifling amount of money wasn't worth spending.
c) The trifling mountain was challenging to climb.
d) The trifling cake tasted delicious.
Answer: b) The trifling amount of money wasn't worth spending.
4. Which idiom means not to worry about unimportant things?
a) A trifling matter
b) Don't sweat the trifles
c) As light as a feather
d) Curiosity killed the cat
Answer: b) Don't sweat the trifles
5. What is the opposite of "trifling"?
a) N/A
b) Trivial
c) Important
d) Insignificant
Answer: c) Important
