petty

noun

A surname.

(dialectal, euphemistic, informal) An outbuilding used as a lavatory; an outhouse, a privy.

(historical) A class or school for young schoolboys.

(obsolete, chiefly in the plural, also figuratively) A little schoolboy, either in grade or size.

adjective

(often derogatory) Having little or no importance.

(often derogatory) Of persons or their behaviour: marked by or reflective of undesirably limited interests, sympathies, or views; begrudging, selfish, small-minded; also, preoccupied with subjects having little or no importance and not mindful of broader concerns.

(often derogatory) (informal) Inclined to cause frustration or annoyance to others out of spite over minor grievances; extremely vindictive.

Secondary in importance or rank; minor, subordinate.

Little or small in size.

(historical) Of or relating to the lowest grade or level of school; junior, primary.

(obsolete except in set phrases)

Roots

petitpetit- · French · small

Synonyms for petty

trivialadj piddlingadj pifflingadj picayuneadj footlingadj nigglingadj littleadj triflingadj insignificantadj inconsequentialadj unimportantadj pettifoggingv inconsiderableadj minoradj paltryadj superficialadj smalladj quibblingv

Synonyms & related words for petty

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of petty — including trivial, piddling, piffling, picayune, footling, niggling. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to petty

Explore words related to petty — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include fiddling, lowly, piddly, pettiness, insignificancy, trivialities, smalltime, sciolist. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for petty

Common synonyms for petty include trivial, piddling, piffling, picayune, footling, niggling, little, trifling — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does petty come from?

The word petty breaks down into one root of French origin: the root petit-, from French petit (“small”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.