petty

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /ˈpɛti/
• (US) IPA ^(key): [ˈpʰɛɾi]

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Adjective

Positive petty

Comparative pettier

Superlative pettiest

1. If something is petty it is small or not important.

   That is only a petty crime.

   I took some petty cash for the purchase.

   He is only a petty officer, not a full officer.

2. If someone is petty they are bothered by petty things.

   Why must you be so petty all the time.

   He was so petty he would throw a fit if one book was out of place.

Synonyms

• minor
• (bothered) pettish

Related words

• petite
• petit
• petty cash
• petty crime
• petty officer