Petty

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈpÉ›ti/
• Rhymes: -É›ti

Origin

From Middle French petit, English since the late 14th century.

The disparaging meaning develops during the 16th century.

Full definition of petty

Adjective

1. (obsolete except in set phrases) Little, small, secondary in rank or importance.Like a petty god I walked about, admired of all. (Milton, Samson Agonistes, 1671)petty officer, petty cash
2. Insignificant, trifling, or inconsiderable.a petty fault
3. Narrow-minded, small-minded.

Derived terms

• petty cash
• petty officer
• petty king
• pettiness
• petty crime

Synonyms