VocabDictionary

trivial

/ˈtrɪv.i.əl/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Of little value, importance, or significance; commonplace or ordinary.

Example Sentences:
  • I don't want to waste time discussing trivial matters when we have a major deadline approaching.
  • The error was so trivial that the software developers decided not to issue a patch for it.
2.adjective

In mathematics, relating to a solution or case that is simple, obvious, or yields no interesting results.

Example Sentences:
  • The proof for this theorem is trivial once you apply the basic identity.
  • The equation has a trivial solution where all variables are equal to zero.
Share & Learn With Friends

Share “trivial” with study groups, classmates, or on your social channels.

English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “trivial”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'trivialis', meaning 'belonging to the crossroads' or 'commonplace'. It is formed from 'tri-' (three) and 'via' (road). In the Middle Ages, the 'trivium' referred to the three lower liberal arts (grammar, logic, and rhetoric), which were considered basic or introductory, leading to the modern sense of something being of little importance or value.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'tri' (three) 'via' (roads): if you are standing at a place where three roads meet, it is a common, everyday spot where everyone passes by, hence 'trivial' or commonplace.

Frequently Asked Questions About “trivial

1. What is the meaning of “trivial” in English?

In English, trivial (adjective) is defined as: “Of little value, importance, or significance; commonplace or ordinary.”.

2. How do you use “trivial” in a sentence?

I don't want to waste time discussing trivial matters when we have a major deadline approaching.

3. What are English synonyms of “trivial”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “trivial”?

Derived from the Latin 'trivialis', meaning 'belonging to the crossroads' or 'commonplace'. It is formed from 'tri-' (three) and 'via' (road). In the Middle Ages, the 'trivium' referred to the three lower liberal arts (grammar, logic, and rhetoric), which were considered basic or introductory, leading to the modern sense of something being of little importance or value.