trifle
trifle Lexical Profile
trifle Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To treat someone or something without serious respect or consideration.
"The ambitious executive quickly learned that the board of directors was not a group to be trifled with."
To talk or act frivolously or playfully; to waste time.
"Instead of completing his vital research paper, he continued to trifle away the afternoon watching television."
• noun
A matter, affair, or circumstance of trivial importance or significance.
"The committee wasted the first hour of the meeting arguing over a mere trifle rather than addressing the budget crisis."
An article or thing of very little value.
"She returned from the market with a few inexpensive trifles to decorate the guest room."
British A traditional British dessert consisting of sponge cake typically soaked in sherry or wine, layered with custard, fruit or jam, and whipped cream.
"For the holiday dinner, she prepared a magnificent strawberry trifle served in a large cut-glass bowl."
Word Nuance & Usage
As a verb, 'trifle' is almost exclusively followed by the preposition 'with' (e.g., 'to trifle with someone's affections').
• Rhymes for trifle
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'trifle' or 'trufle', borrowed from Old French 'trufle' meaning 'mockery, deception, or a thing of little value', of uncertain ultimate origin.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.