comparatively trivial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "comparatively trivial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the significance or importance of something to another, indicating that it is less important or noteworthy. Example: "While the project had its challenges, the budget constraints were comparatively trivial compared to the overall success we achieved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The issue of gender representation on panel games is comparatively trivial.

The Guardian - Opinion

Without political leadership, the public has got repeatedly distracted by comparatively trivial political issues – discussing duck ponds and moats while a tsunami threatens.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sometimes it's about comparatively trivial matters of style and music, from hair length to punk or tattoos; sometimes it's about fundamental values.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many think he sacrificed his individuality in his later films, and others consider the subject matter of his earlier work comparatively trivial.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Just as a host of medical factors made my experience of cancer comparatively trivial, a host of socio-economic factors afforded me the luxury of making light of it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not only in terms of Google Glass and Uber, which are comparatively trivial, but in terms of the gap between rich and poor, the impunity of globalised commerce, the declining relevance of the west.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Yet we still know comparatively little.

BBC

As we will see in Section 2.2, however, Larry Laudan has argued that such claims depend upon simple equivocation between the comparatively weak or trivial forms of underdetermination that their partisans have managed to establish and the far stronger forms from which they draw radical conclusions about the limited reach of evidence and rationality in science.

SEP

While some chemical names - typically TRIVIAL names - are relatively short and possess comparatively unambiguous boundaries, chemical formulas and systematic names are descriptive terminologies whose productivity mirrors the infinite array of possible chemicals.

Journal of Cheminformatics

In proposed techniques, the UCPMOT + MEMMOT comparatively consumes a less amount of time for non-trivial operations in the over_sampling process.

Journal of Big Data

Comparatively well.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you use "comparatively trivial," make sure the comparison is clear to the reader. State explicitly what the subject is being compared to, ensuring the contrast is easily understood.

Common error

While "comparatively trivial" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can undermine the seriousness of your message. Replace with phrases like "relatively insignificant" or "less consequential" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "comparatively trivial" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by an adjective. It serves to qualify a noun or idea, indicating that its importance or significance is relatively small when considered in relation to something else. Ludwig shows that this construction is used to establish perspective by de-emphasizing one element within a broader context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "comparatively trivial" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is of lesser importance when compared to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used in news and media, as well as academic and scientific contexts. When writing, remember to use "comparatively trivial" to provide perspective and avoid overemphasizing minor issues. However, overuse in highly formal writing may reduce the seriousness of your message. In those cases, consider alternatives such as "relatively insignificant" or "less consequential" to keep a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively insignificant

Focuses on the lack of significance in relation to something else.

somewhat minor

Highlights the reduced scale or impact.

less consequential

Emphasizes the reduced importance of the outcome or effect.

marginally important

Stresses the slight degree of importance.

of little account

Indicates that something is not worthy of significant consideration.

not particularly significant

Directly states the lack of notable significance.

secondary in importance

Positions the subject as less important than something else.

of minor concern

Highlights that something is not a major worry or problem.

slight in comparison

Emphasizes the smaller magnitude when contrasted with something else.

not a big deal

Informal way of saying something isn't very important.

FAQs

How can I use "comparatively trivial" in a sentence?

You can use "comparatively trivial" to describe something as less important than something else. For example: "The cost of the repair was "comparatively trivial" compared to the overall budget."

What are some alternatives to "comparatively trivial"?

Alternatives include "relatively insignificant", "somewhat minor", or "less consequential", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "comparatively trivial" in formal writing?

Yes, but be mindful of the tone. In highly formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "relatively insignificant" to maintain a professional tone.

What is the difference between "comparatively trivial" and "insignificant"?

"Comparatively trivial" implies a comparison to something else that is more important, while "insignificant" simply means lacking importance on its own. For example: "The error was "comparatively trivial" in light of the project's overall success," versus "The error was insignificant and easily corrected."