trivial
Of little importance or value; minor
Examples
In a meeting
“These are trivial issues that won't affect the final outcome.”
Over coffee
“It's a trivial mistake—don't worry about it.”
Why this word
small
Small describes size, while trivial specifically means of little importance or significance
unimportant
Unimportant is general lack of importance, while trivial emphasizes being so minor as to be hardly worth consideration
minor
Minor means lesser in degree, while trivial conveys insignificance or lack of seriousness
Usage tip
Use to dismiss concerns or issues as unimportant; be careful as it can sound dismissive
Etymology
Latin: trivialis, from trivium 'place where three roads meet', meaning 'commonplace'
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Related words
fundamental
Forming a necessary base or core; of central importance.
emphasize
Give special importance or prominence to something
underscore
To emphasize or highlight the importance of something
imperative
Absolutely necessary or urgent
indispensable
Absolutely necessary and cannot be done without
pivotal
Critically important in determining future outcomes