1
Insignificant difference
Too small to change a measurement, comparison, or conclusion in a meaningful way.
Example
The one-millimetre difference was trivial and did not affect the conclusion.
trivial
/ˈtrɪviəl/ · TRIV-ee-uhladjective
Of little importance or consequence.
Use trivial for a detail, difference, or concern too minor to affect the larger issue or conclusion.
What trivial Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Minor concern
Lacking enough consequence to deserve serious attention in the present context.
Example
The committee set aside trivial objections and focused on safety.
3
Superficial subject
Concerned with ordinary or shallow matters rather than substantial issues.
Example
The critic argued that the film focused on trivial conflicts.
Use trivial Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The critic argued that the film focused on trivial conflicts.
The difference of one millimeter was trivial and did not affect the experiment's conclusion.
What first appeared to be a trivial formatting error changed the interpretation of the table.
Precision Matters
Trivial overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
trivial
vs.Judges something too unimportant to matter in context.
minor
Means smaller or less serious without dismissing it entirely.
trivial
vs.Often concerns importance or consequence.
negligible
Often concerns an amount or effect too small to consider.
trivial
vs.Means insignificant.
mundane
Means ordinary or routine, which may still be important.
trivial
vs.Has little consequence.
momentous
Has exceptionally important consequences—the contrast.
Test trivial in Context
The difference is explicitly too small to affect the outcome.
1
The two estimates differed by less than one-tenth of one percent, a ___ discrepancy that had no effect on the study's conclusion.