noun a thing of little value or importance
verb to treat someone or something without seriousness or respect
To trifle with someone's emotions is to play with their feelings without sincere intentions.
Ignoring or neglecting important health issues can be seen as trifling with one's well-being.
To trifle with a deal or offer is to treat it casually or without proper consideration.
In competitive settings, to trifle with an opponent is to underestimate or not take them seriously.
In a professional context, a writer may use the phrase 'trifle with' to describe the act of not taking a particular topic or subject seriously. For example, a writer may caution against trifle with the emotions of the characters in a story.
A psychologist may use the term 'trifle with' to discuss the importance of not trivializing or dismissing a patient's concerns or emotions. It may be used to emphasize the need for empathy and understanding in therapeutic interactions.
In an educational setting, a teacher may use 'trifle with' to convey the message of not underestimating the difficulty or importance of a particular assignment or topic. It could be used to encourage students to take their studies seriously.
A lawyer may use 'trifle with' to warn against underestimating the seriousness of a legal matter or case. It may be used to emphasize the potential consequences of not treating a legal issue with the appropriate level of attention and respect.