a trifle

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Explanation of "a trifle"

Definition:
The phrase "a trifle" means "something that is small or unimportant." It can also be used to describe something that is only slightly true or slightly the case.

Example:

• "I'm feeling a trifle tired after the long meeting." (This means you are a little tired, but not very tired.)
• "The dress is a trifle too big for me." (This means the dress is slightly too big, but not by much.)

Advanced Usage:

In literature or more formal conversations, you might encounter "a trifle" used to describe something that is less important in the grand scheme of things. For example:
- "The cost of the meal was a trifle compared to the joy of spending time with friends."

Word Variants:

• Trifling (adjective): This means something that is insignificant or of little value. Example: "They were worried about trifling matters instead of focusing on the important issues."

Different Meaning:

In some contexts, "trifle" can also refer to a type of dessert made with layers of cake, fruit, and cream.
Example: "I made a delicious trifle for dessert."

Synonyms:

• Slightly
• A little
• Somewhat
• Insignificantly

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "a trifle" itself is not part of an idiom or phrasal verb, you might find it used in expressions that indicate a minor issue, such as "not worth a trifle," meaning it’s not worth anything.

Summary:

"A trifle" is a useful phrase to express that something is small or unimportant. Remember that it can describe both physical size and degree of something.

Academic

Adverb

1. to a small degree; somewhat
   • it's a bit warm
   • felt a little better
   • a trifle smaller

Synonyms

• a bit
• a little