trivial

Everyday

1. Something trivial is small and not important, not worth worrying about. tree →
2. (maths) A trivial case or answer is the simplest, most obvious one, that needs no real work, for example x = 0. tree →
3. Trivial facts are odd little facts that are fun but not important, as in a quiz (trivia). tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and stories, people argue over trivial things and later feel silly. In maths, «trivial» means easy or obvious, and a «trivial solution» is often zero. In quizzes, «trivia» means little facts. Phrases: «a trivial matter», «trivial details», «trivialise» (make something serious seem small).

Examples

• They had a big argument about something trivial. tree →
• Don't worry about trivial mistakes like a missing comma. tree →
• Her worry seemed trivial, but to her it was big. tree →
• In maths, x = 0 is the trivial answer to x × 5 = x × 3. tree →
• The quiz was full of trivial facts about famous people. tree →
• It is not a trivial problem; it will take hours to solve. tree →
• Losing a pencil is trivial compared with losing your dog. tree →
• “Ah! what a trivial view of life!” said the Rocket; “but it is only what I expected. tree →

Note

The noun is «triviality»; related «trivia» (little facts, uncountable). Trap: what seems trivial to one person may be serious to another, so be kind. In maths, «not trivial» or «non-trivial» means it needs real thought.