Petty

Pronunciation: /ˈpɛti/

Definitions of petty

adjective showing an excessive concern with unimportant details or minor faults

Example Sentences

A1 She was upset over a petty argument with her friend.

A2 The petty thief was caught stealing from the store.

B1 I don't want to waste time on petty disputes.

B2 The petty cash fund is used for small expenses.

C1 His petty behavior towards his colleagues is unacceptable.

C2 The politician's petty actions were criticized by the public.

Examples of petty in a Sentence

formal The petty cash fund should only be used for small, incidental expenses.

informal I can't believe she's still upset over such a petty argument.

slang Stop being so petty about it, it's not a big deal.

figurative His petty behavior was like a dark cloud hanging over the office.

Grammatical Forms of petty

• past tense: pettied
• plural: petties
• comparative: pettier
• superlative: pettiest
• present tense: petties
• future tense: will pettie
• perfect tense: have pettied
• continuous tense: is pettieing
• singular: petty
• positive degree: petty
• infinitive: to petty
• gerund: pettying
• participle: pettied

Origin and Evolution of petty

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old French

Story behind the word: The word 'petty' originated from the Old French word 'petit' meaning small or minor.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'petty' evolved to not only describe something small or minor, but also came to be associated with something insignificant or trivial in a negative connotation.