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Definition of pettily

pettily

/ˈpɛt.ɪ.li/
pet · ti · ly
Adjective:petty
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pettily Lexical Profile

pettily Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a mean-spirited, spiteful, or ungenerous manner, especially over trivial matters.

Example

"Rather than resolving the misunderstanding maturely, he acted pettily by withholding the shared project files."

2

To a trivial, minor, or insignificant degree; with undue concern for unimportant details.

Example

"The committee spent hours arguing pettily over the font size on the conference brochure."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for pettily

• Nearby Words

petronia
petrorhagia
petticoat
pettily
pettiness
petting
petty

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from the adjective "petty" (borrowed from Old French "petit," meaning "small" or "little") combined with the adverbial suffix "-ly."

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pettily. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pettily
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