rather trivial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather trivial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is considered unimportant or of little significance. Example: "While the topic may seem rather trivial, it actually has deeper implications for our understanding of the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hasn't it all been rather trivial?

Independent

"It seems rather trivial, operating a regular business," he said.

The New York Times

To start off with, let's get rid of this rather trivial example.

Yale University

I know, I know; this is all rather trivial to point out.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The implementation of the absorber in any existing numerical tank is rather trivial.

Journal of Computational Physics

Although the task itself is rather trivial in a real life situation, it requires much effort in the virtual environment.

International Journal of Human-Computer Studies

It is rather trivial to argue that engineers need to know in order to function as engineers.

Technovation

TWO seconds of metallic music may seem a rather trivial basis for spending 12 years battling through the German courts.

The Economist

That's a little game within a game, it's a rather trivial game because it's a one player game, but it is a game.

Yale University

A couple of rather trivial facts about the field before I go on to what I'd actually like to talk about.

Cornell University

There is that 'only a novel' feeling - that compared to the real events of life, novels are rather trivial things that you recreate yourself with, objects of entertainment.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rather trivial" to politely downplay the significance of something without dismissing it entirely. It's effective when introducing a minor point or concession.

Common error

While "rather trivial" is acceptable in many contexts, overuse in highly formal writing can make your tone seem dismissive or condescending. Substitute with more neutral terms like "less significant" or "relatively minor" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather trivial" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is of little significance or importance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and wide applicability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

32%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rather trivial" serves to downplay the significance of something, indicating it is of little importance. Ludwig confirms its correct grammatical usage and prevalence across various contexts, including science, news, and academia. While it's a common expression, it's best practice to use it judiciously, especially in formal settings, where alternatives like "somewhat insignificant" or "relatively minor" may be more appropriate. Understanding these nuances helps enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat insignificant

Focuses more on the lack of importance rather than the degree.

fairly unimportant

Emphasizes the lack of importance, using 'fairly' to indicate a moderate degree.

relatively minor

Highlights that the matter is small in comparison to others.

somewhat negligible

Suggests the thing in question can almost be ignored.

slightly inconsequential

Highlights the lack of consequence or impact.

marginally relevant

Emphasizes the weak connection or bearing on the matter at hand.

barely significant

Underscores the minimal level of significance.

of little account

Uses a more formal tone to express something is unimportant.

not particularly weighty

Focuses on the lack of importance, but conveys a degree of consideration.

scarcely consequential

Emphasizes the very low level of impact or effect.

FAQs

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

You can use "rather trivial" to describe something that is unimportant or of little significance. For example, "While the initial investment might seem "rather trivial", the long-term benefits are substantial."

What are some alternatives to saying "rather trivial"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat insignificant", "fairly unimportant", or "relatively minor" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "quite trivial" instead of "rather trivial"?

Yes, "quite trivial" is grammatically correct and has a similar meaning to "rather trivial". Both phrases indicate that something is not very important or significant.

What's the difference between "rather trivial" and "completely trivial"?

"Rather trivial" implies something is of little importance, whereas "completely trivial" suggests it's entirely without significance. The latter is a stronger statement.