trifle
pronunciation
How to pronounce trifle in British English:
UK [ˈtraɪfl]
How to pronounce trifle in American English:
US [ˈtraɪfl]
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- Noun:
- jam-spread sponge cake soaked in wine served with custard sauce
- a detail that is considered insignificant
- something of small importance
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- Verb:
- waste time; spend one's time idly or inefficiently
- act frivolously
- consider not very seriously
Word Origin
- trifle
- trifle: [13] Trifle was acquired from Old French truffle, a derivative of truffe ‘trickery, deceit’ (it is not known where this came from; it has no connection with English truffle, which may come ultimately from the same source as tuber). The first record of its application to a ‘sweet dessert confection’ dates from the end of the 16th century.
- trifle (n.)
- c. 1200, trufle "false or idle tale," later "matter of little importance" (c. 1300), from Old French trufle "mockery," diminutive of truffe "deception," of uncertain origin. As a type of light confection from 1755.
- trifle (v.)
- "treat lightly," 1520s, from trifle (n.). Earlier "cheat, mock" (c. 1300). Related: Trifled; trifling.
Example
- 1. For every little trifle they blame you , my child .
- 2. This is not an unheard-of view among environmentalists , and at times mr lynas 's protestations of heresy can seem a trifle self-serving .
- 3. In the midst of the global recession , public protests are on the rise in many parts of the world but in china people often take to the streets with problems that might seem a mere trifle and would rarely lead to demonstrations in the west .
- 4. Do you want another trifle ? Sherry ?
- 5. Give me the strength to raise my mind high above daily trifle .