The word "trifling" is spelled with the letters T-R-I-F-L-I-N-G. In IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) transcription, it is pronounced as /ˈtraɪflɪŋ/. The second syllable is stressed, indicated by the symbol /ˈ/, and the first two sounds are a "t" and "r" blend followed by the vowel "ai" as in "bait." The next syllable includes the "f" sound and the last syllable is pronounced with the "ing" sound spelled with the letters "i-n-g." "Trifling" means something unimportant or insignificant.
Trifling is an adjective that can be used to describe something or someone as being of little importance or significance. It refers to things that are considered to be trivial, inconsequential, or trivially small in their impact or value. In general, trifling implies a lack of seriousness or importance.
When applied to objects or possessions, trifling suggests that they are insignificant, often describing something as being of minimal worth or value. For example, a trifling sum of money may refer to a negligible or paltry amount. Similarly, a trifling item could refer to a small, insignificant object or something that is not worth much attention or consideration.
Trifling can also be used to describe people or their behavior. A trifling person is often characterized as being frivolous, shallow, or unimportant. This means that they typically engage in trivial pursuits, pay excessive attention to insignificant matters, or lack seriousness in their words or actions. For instance, someone who spends their time engaging in gossip or engaging in superficial conversations might be viewed as trifling.
In summary, trifling refers to things, people, or actions of little significance, value, or importance. It suggests a lack of seriousness, worth, or substance, and is often used to describe something or someone as being insignificant, trivial, or not worthy of attention or consideration.
• Being of small importance or value.
• Employment about things of no importance.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "trifling" originated from the Middle English term "triflen", which can be traced back to the Old English word "triflian". In Old English, "triflian" meant "to play or toy with", and it is derived from the Old Norse word "trifla" meaning "to play tricks". The term eventually evolved to denote something of little importance, value, or significance, leading to its current meaning as an adjective signifying something unimportant, frivolous, or trivial.