small-minded

[ smawl-mahyn-did ]

adjective

1. selfish, petty, or narrow-minded.

small-minded

adjective

1. narrow-minded; petty; intolerant; mean

Derived Forms

• ˌsmall-ˈmindedly, adverb
• ˌsmall-ˈmindedness, noun

Other Words From

• small-minded·ly adverb
• small-minded·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of small-minded¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

The man who explored universes in his works was ridiculously small-minded.

From The Daily Beast

Never small-minded, the worst I ever heard him say of anybody was that he (or she) was “boring.”

From The Daily Beast

It is the most small-minded interpretation of "journalism" there is.

From The Daily Beast

This is, inarguably, a small-minded and small-hearted way to look at things, even by the usual silly standards for sports fans.

From The Daily Beast

But if pointed barbs from small-minded conservative commentators are what it takes to spur the country into action, then so be it.

From The Daily Beast

Petrarch was not small-minded, as the noble letter in which he offers to buy his friend's library proves.

From Project Gutenberg

Her obstinate conduct towards the Fitzclarences is small-minded of her, and to explain it she affects a ridiculous prudery.

From Project Gutenberg

The hotel manager was a small-minded man with a narrow-minded outlook and a brain that was almost totally unable to learn.

From Project Gutenberg

He refused and felt so small-minded at using his authority against a child that it was a relief to vent his ill-humour on a man.

From Project Gutenberg

The modern, small-minded ascetic endeavours to grow spiritually by destroying his physical instincts instead of by using them.

From Project Gutenberg