Definition of trivial
1a : of little worth or importance a trivial objection trivial problemsb : relating to or being the mathematically simplest case; specifically : characterized by having all variables equal to zero a trivial solution to a linear equation
2 : commonplace, ordinary
3 : specific 4
From the M-W Editors
Examples of trivial in a sentence
His later memory, untutored and unsupported by anything so trivial as evidence or documents, now flourished and ran wild. —Muriel Spark, Curriculum Vitae, (1992) 1993
I had never heard anyone speak of their parents in this way; I never even knew you could make them seem trivial … —Jamaica Kincaid, Lucy, 1990
But the last tribute was to be a struggle among states for possession of the trivial remains of a man who in life had known as much revilement as honor. —Robert Penn Warren, Jefferson Davis Gets His Citizenship Back, 1980
statistics and other trivial matters
a trivial sum of money
Compared to her problems, our problems seem trivial.
Did You Know?
Trivial comes from a Latin word meaning "crossroads"—that is, where three roads come together. Since a crossroads is a very public place where all kinds of people might show up, trivialis came to mean "commonplace" or "vulgar". Today the English word has changed slightly in meaning and instead usually describes something barely worth mentioning. Mathematicians use the word to refer to some part of a proof or definition that's extremely simple and needn't be explained, but the rest of us tend to use it just to mean "unimportant". "Small talk" at a party, for example, is usually trivial conversation, though a trivial excuse for not going on a date ("I have to wash my hair") might hide an emotion that isn't so trivial ("I can't stand the sight of you"). To trivialize something is to treat it as if it didn't matter, as if it were just another triviality.
Origin and Etymology of trivial
Latin trivialis found everywhere, commonplace, from trivium crossroads, from tri- + via way — more at way
First Known Use: 1589
TRIVIAL Defined for English Language Learners
trivial
playDefinition of trivial for English Language Learners
-
: not important
TRIVIAL Defined for Kids
trivial
playDefinition of trivial for Students
: of little worth or importance Don't get angry about trivial matters.
Learn More about trivial
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for trivial Spanish Central: Translation of trivial Nglish: Translation of trivial for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of trivial for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up trivial? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!