A trifle is a word that is often used to describe something that is of little importance or value. It can also be used to refer to a dessert that is made up of layers of cake, fruit, and custard.
Definitions
The word ‘trifle’ can be defined in a number of ways. It can refer to something that is of little consequence or importance, something that is insignificant or trivial. It can also be used to describe something that is frivolous or superficial.
Origin
The word ‘trifle’ is believed to have originated from the Old French word ‘trufle’, which means ‘whim’ or ‘caprice’. It was first used in English in the 16th century to refer to a type of dessert that was made up of layers of cake, fruit, and custard.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a trifle is “a thing of little value or importance”. Merriam-Webster defines it as “something that is of little value, substance, or importance”. The Cambridge Dictionary describes it as “something that is not important or valuable”.
Associations
A trifle is often associated with something that is insignificant or trivial. It can also be associated with something that is frivolous or superficial. In the context of food, a trifle is associated with a dessert that is made up of layers of cake, fruit, and custard.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of a trifle include: insignificance, triviality, frivolity, superficiality, bauble, bagatelle, and frippery.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of a trifle include: significance, importance, substance, and value.
The same root words
The word ‘trifle’ shares its root with the word ‘trivial’, which means something that is of little importance or significance.
Example Sentences
- “Don’t worry about it, it’s just a trifle.”
- “She spent a fortune on trinkets and trifles at the market.”
- “The dessert was a delicious trifle made with layers of sponge cake, strawberries, and custard.”