petty

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   contemptibly narrow in outlook

   petty little comments

2. 2
   noun

   larceny of property having a value less than some amount

   The crime was considered a petty because only a can of lemonade was stolen.

3. 3
   adj

   Having little or no importance.

   a petty fault    petty squabbles

4. 4
   adj

   Of persons or their behaviour: marked by or reflective of undesirably limited interests, sympathies, or views; begrudging, selfish, small-minded; also, preoccupied with subjects having little or no importance and not mindful of broader concerns.

   Such literature may well be anathema to those who are too docile and petty for their own good.

5. 5
   adj

   Inclined to cause frustration or annoyance to others out of spite over minor grievances; extremely vindictive.

   My cousin is so petty—I forgot his birthday and he's been making snarky comments all week.

6. 6
   adj

   Of or relating to the lowest grade or level of school; junior, primary.

   Friends are separated for long portions of time even while they live; at last they take their leave for ever: although, I remember, when you left me in the petty form at Westminster, I soon afterwards found you in a higher remove: and this world is only the petty form of the universe; so I not only expect to pass a social hour with you here, but am in hopes of a merry meeting in a better place; […]

7. 7
   adj

   Little or small in size.

   To morrow, and to morrow, and to morrow, / Creepes in this petty pace from day to day, / To the laſt Syllable of Recorded time: / And all our yeſterdayes, haue lighted Fooles / The way to duſty death.

8. 8
   adj

   Secondary in importance or rank; minor, subordinate.

   petty cash    petty officer

Etymology

The adjective is derived from Middle English peti, pety (“little, small; minor”) [and other forms], from Anglo-Norman petit, Middle French petit, and Old French peti, petit, pitet (“young; little, small; inferior; insignificant”) (modern French petit), ultimately of imitative origin. It is no longer thought that the word is derived from Celtic. Doublet of petit and petite. The noun is derived from the adjective.