PETTILY Meaning and
Definition
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Pettily is an adverb that describes a manner or behavior of being small-minded, trivial, or of little importance in one's thoughts, actions, or statements. It denotes actions or attitudes characterized by an excessive focus on minor details, insignificant matters, or trivial issues, often leading to an unnecessary or disproportionate display of annoyance, irritation, or resentment.
When someone behaves pettily, they tend to overly emphasize trivial matters, regardless of their actual significance, resulting in a narrow-minded perspective. This could manifest in harboring grudges or holding onto minor grievances for extended periods, emphasizing and exaggerating minor flaws or mistakes made by others, or engaging in trivial arguments or disputes.
For instance, a person who reacts pettily may become excessively upset over a minor spelling error in an email, responding with unnecessary hostility. Similarly, someone might display pettiness by refusing to forgive a friend for an innocent, small oversight or constantly criticizing others for insignificant personal preferences.
Expressions of pettiness often derive from a disproportionate attachment to details and a lack of broader perspective or understanding. It ultimately inhibits one's ability to prioritize important matters and engage in constructive and meaningful interactions. While pettiness is a common human flaw, it is generally seen as undesirable behavior that can breed unnecessary conflict, hinder personal growth, and strain relationships.
Common Misspellings for PETTILY
Etymology of PETTILY
The word "pettily" is derived from the root word "petty", which can be traced back to the Old French word "petit". "Petit" means small or insignificant, and it came from the Latin word "pictus", meaning small, slight, or trifling. Over time, the word "pettily" was formed by adding the suffix "-ly" to "petty", creating an adverb form to describe actions or behaviors that are small-minded, trivial, or of little importance.
Similar spelling words for PETTILY
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