trifle

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "trifle" is correct and usable in written English.
It has several meanings, including "an item of little value or importance" and "a dessert made of layers of cake, custard, and fruit". For example: "My favorite dessert is a trifle - layers of cake, fruit, and custard all topped with whipped cream."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It seems the BBC was being a trifle zealous on Thursday and this morning – worrying that editors would subvert the rules by impishly inserting Olympic coverage from the Velodrome into items about the GDP figures.

The Guardian

You can have your cake and eat it and make a sort of word trifle out of it too.

The Guardian

There is an onion tatin made with long, slender pink onions; a summer trifle like an Ascot hat, brimming with berries and currants, and a cheap and sumptuous dish of chicory sauteed with smoked bacon.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I use it mostly in conjunction with custard, either as stewed fruit, in a trifle or a posset, or in a tart filled with pastry cream.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ms Atwood's apology for squashing Christian theological thinking into two chatty and disrespectful pages does not sound wholly sincere.But the overall effect of the book is stimulating, if a trifle dizzying.

The Economist

Although that would save little money, it suggests that Labour could be a trifle tougher on the old a bold gesture, given how frequently the old vote.As for Mr Duncan Smith's attempt to transform the welfare system, that might be put on hold whichever party wins the election.

The Economist

A family may have 100 members scattered over multiple jurisdictions and 150 trusts, making tax planning a trifle complex.Yet the basic problems are the same everywhere.

The Economist

The champagne bottles will pop on the 50th anniversary of independence, but the bubbly will taste a trifle flat.

The Economist

It is only by Britain's laxer standards that Mr Blair is held to be a trifle anal in the pluralism department.

The Economist

But that was a trifle compared with the fight that awaits him in Albany.New York's finances are a mess.

The Economist

"I am a Marxist and also an entrepreneur," he says, a trifle defensively, in the nearby office of the Communist Party, seated beneath colourful portraits of Stalin, Lenin, Engels and Marx.An evening stroll through Dharavi with Mr Korde, a well-liked local, is inspiring.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trifle" to subtly downplay the importance of something without dismissing it entirely, such as "The delay was a trifle annoying, but not critical."

Common error

Avoid using "trifle" excessively in formal or academic writing, as it can come across as dismissive or condescending. Opt for more precise and objective language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "trifle" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it primarily denotes something of little value or importance, or refers to a specific dessert. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing examples showcasing both uses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "trifle" is a versatile term with two primary meanings: something of little importance and a traditional English dessert. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and usable in written English. It is frequently found in news and media, where it's used to subtly downplay the significance of something. When writing, be mindful of overusing "trifle" in formal contexts, and remember its alternative meaning to avoid confusion. Consider alternatives like ""small amount"" or "minor detail" for more precise language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something insignificant

Directly conveys the meaning of "trifle" as something lacking in importance or consequence.

a trivial matter

Highlights the lack of importance associated with a "trifle", suggesting it's not worth significant attention.

a minor detail

Emphasizes the insignificant nature of a "trifle" when considered within a larger context or situation.

a small amount

Focuses on the quantity aspect of something being a "trifle", emphasizing the lack of substance or size.

slightly

Indicates a small degree of change or variation, akin to describing something as being "a trifle" different.

a bit

Implies a small degree or extent, similar to using "trifle" to describe a slight amount or difference.

a soupçon

Expresses a tiny amount or hint of something, similar to how "trifle" can denote a very small quantity.

an iota

Refers to an extremely small quantity or degree, aligning with the meaning of "trifle" when referring to insignificant amounts.

English dessert

Describes the dessert version of trifle, a layered dessert with fruit, custard, and cake.

layered dessert

A general term referring to the dessert trifle

FAQs

How can I use "trifle" to mean something is of little importance?

You can use "trifle" to indicate something is insignificant or not worth worrying about. For example, "The cost was a mere "trifle" compared to the overall budget".

What are some alternatives to "a trifle" when referring to a small amount?

Consider using alternatives like "a "bit"", "slightly", or "a "small amount"" depending on the context to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "trifle" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, using "trifle" in very formal contexts might be perceived as informal or dismissive. Choose more precise language depending on your audience and the desired tone.

Besides meaning something insignificant, what else does "trifle" refer to?

"Trifle" also refers to a traditional English dessert made with layers of fruit, sponge cake, custard, and cream. For example, "She made a delicious "trifle" for the party".