trifle
C1formal/informal depending on context
Definition
Meaning
A thing of little value or importance; a small, insignificant amount.
A small dessert made of sponge cake, fruit, custard, and whipped cream (British context); to treat something without seriousness or respect.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, can refer to literal insignificance or a specific dessert. As a verb ('to trifle with'), implies dangerous or disrespectful frivolity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the US, 'trifle' primarily means 'something trivial'. In the UK, it strongly denotes the layered dessert. The verb 'to trifle with' (to treat lightly) is shared but more common in UK formal/literary usage.
Connotations
UK: Often positive (dessert, tradition). US: Often negative (insignificance, waste of time).
Frequency
As a dessert term, very high frequency in UK, low in US. As 'something trivial', medium frequency in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
trifle with [someone/something]a trifle [adjective/adverb - slightly]not a trifleVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “not a trifle”
- “to trifle with someone's affections”
- “a mere trifle”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'The cost overrun was a mere trifle.' (insignificant amount)
Academic
He argued that the philosopher dismissed empirical evidence as a trifle. (something unworthy of consideration)
Everyday
UK: 'I'll make a trifle for pudding.' / US: 'Don't worry, it's just a trifle.'
Technical
Rare. In law, may describe a de minimis issue.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- One should not trifle with matters of the heart.
- He was accused of trifling with the company's resources.
American English
- She warned him not to trifle with her patience.
- The senator felt his integrity was being trifled with.
adverb
British English
- The sauce was a trifle too sweet for my taste.
- He arrived a trifle late for the meeting.
American English
- Her explanation seemed a trifle confusing.
- The room felt a trifle warm.
adjective
British English
- (Rare as pure adjective) He had a trifle obsession with train timetables.
- A trifle matter like that won't delay us.
American English
- (Rare) It was a trifle concern in the grand scheme.
- He dismissed it with a trifle wave of his hand.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The toy cost only a trifle.
- UK: My nan makes a lovely trifle with jam.
- He sold the painting for a mere trifle.
- UK: For dessert, we had a traditional sherry trifle.
- The difference in price is a mere trifle compared to the quality gain.
- It is dangerous to trifle with people's deepest beliefs.
- Such ethical breaches cannot be dismissed as a mere administrative trifle.
- Her tone was a trifle condescending, which irritated the interview panel.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A TRIFle is a TRIVial thing, or a dessert that's a TRIumph of Flavours.'
Conceptual Metaphor
UNIMPORTANT IS SMALL / LIGHT (a trifling matter, a trifle of a problem)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'пустяк' when meaning 'a small amount' - 'trifle' here is more formal. The dessert has no direct equivalent. The verb 'to trifle with' is closer to 'легкомысленно относиться/играть с' (emotions).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'a trifle' to mean 'very' (only correct as 'a trifle long' = slightly long). Confusing 'trifle with' (play with disrespectfully) with 'dally with'. Using the dessert meaning in US context without explanation.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'trifle' MOST likely to refer to food?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is formal/dated. 'A trifle expensive' means 'slightly expensive'. It is not interchangeable with 'a little' in all contexts (e.g., not 'a trifle water').
It is known but uncommon. Most Americans would need the term explained in a culinary context. It is overwhelmingly a British/Commonwealth term.
'Trifle' is primarily a noun (or verb) referring to the insignificant thing itself. 'Trivial' is an adjective describing the quality of insignificance. A 'trifle' is a 'trivial matter'.
No, it is negative. It means to treat someone or their feelings in a frivolous, insincere, or disrespectful way, often leading to emotional harm (e.g., 'trifle with someone's affections').