trivial etymology

Etymology

The term "trivial" is derived from the Latin word "trivialis," which means "pertaining to a crossroads" or "commonplace."

Meaning

"Trivial" refers to something that is:

• Of little importance or value
• Insignificant, minor, or inconsequential
• Common, ordinary, or commonplace
• Overused or hackneyed
• Not worthy of serious attention or consideration

Origin

The Latin word "trivium" denotes a place where three roads meet. In ancient Rome, crossroads were often associated with ordinary and mundane activities. As a result, "trivial" came to be applied to anything that was considered commonplace or of no great consequence.

Examples

• "The movie was a trivial comedy with predictable jokes and a shallow plot."
• "I don't want to waste my time on trivial matters like gossip."
• "The teacher's explanation of the concept was so trivial that it failed to clarify anything."
• "The differences between the two products are trivial and barely noticeable."
• "Don't sweat the trivial stuff. Focus on what's truly important."

trivial relate terms

• liberal

  Etymology The term liberal originates from the Latin word liberalis which means per

• trivial

  Etymology The term trivial is derived from the Latin word trivialis which means per

• three

  Etymology 1 Greek Meaning Number three Origin Proto Indo European treyes 2 Sans

• trivia

  Etymology and Meaning The word trivia originates from the Latin word trivium which m

• little

  Etymology Little is from Middle English litel which is from Old English lytel mean

• petty

  Etymology The word petty comes from the Late Latin word pettifogger which was a term

• puerility

  Etymology From Middle French puerilité from Latin puerīlitās from puerīlis boyi

• fantastic

  Etymology The word fantastic originates from the Greek word phantastikos meaning p

• superficial

  Etymology Latin superficialis super above on top of ficies surface Mean

• picayune

  Etymology French piecaille small change Latin pelica woodpecker probably borrowe

• Adam

  Etymology Derived from the Hebrew word adamah אדמה meaning earth or ground