Trivial Meaning/Definition:
The word “trivial” is an adjective that describes something of little importance or significance. It refers to matters that are not serious, significant, or worthy of attention.
How to Pronounce ‘Trivial’:
The pronunciation of “trivial” is [ˈtrɪviəl], with the stress on the first syllable: TRIV-ee-ul.
Trivial Antonyms:
- Significant
- Important
- Serious
- Substantial
Trivial Synonyms:
- Insignificant
- Minor
- Petty
- Unimportant
- Frivolous
Origin of Trivial:
The word “trivial” comes from the Latin word “trivium,” which means “crossroads” or “public square.” In ancient times, the trivium referred to the lower division of the seven liberal arts, comprising grammar, rhetoric, and logic. Over time, “trivial” evolved to describe things that were considered commonplace or ordinary.
Examples:
- The argument over who would wash the dishes was trivial compared to the larger issues facing the household.
- Don’t waste your time on trivial matters; focus on what truly matters in your life.
- The teacher dismissed the student’s trivial excuse for not completing the assignment.
- In the grand scheme of things, his complaints seemed trivial and inconsequential.
Verb Forms:
| Verb Form | Present | Past | Past Participle | Gerund/ Present Participle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infinitive | Trivialize | Trivialized | Trivialized | Trivializing |
| Simple Present | Trivializes | Trivializes | Trivializes | Trivializing |
| Present Participle | Trivializing | Trivializing | Trivializing | Trivializing |
| Simple Past | Trivialized | Trivialized | Trivialized | Trivialized |
| Past Continuous | Was/Were Trivializing | Were Trivializing | Had Been Trivializing | Trivializing |
| Past Perfect | Had Trivialized | Had Trivialized | Had Trivialized | Having Trivialized |
The verb form “trivialize” is commonly used to describe the action of making something seem trivial or unimportant. It can be applied to various contexts, such as discussions, issues, or concerns.