triviality

American  

[triv-ee-al-i-tee] / ˌtrɪv iˈæl ɪ ti /

noun

trivialities plural

1. something trivial; a trivial matter, affair, remark, etc..

   cocktail conversation marked by trivialities.

2. Also trivialness trivial quality or character.

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triviality British  

/ ˌtrɪvɪˈælɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being trivial

2. something, such as a remark, that is trivial

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nontriviality
  noun

Inflected Forms

noun

• trivialities
  plural

Etymology

Origin of triviality

First recorded in 1590–1600; trivial + -ity

Explanation

Triviality is a quality of being unimportant or insignificant. You might dislike most reality TV shows because of their triviality, preferring to watch documentaries about serious subjects. You can also use the word triviality to mean an unimportant detail: "Let's discuss world peace instead of focusing on trivialities like what's for lunch or which celebrities are getting divorced!" It comes from the Latin word trivium, which means "commonplace," but also "crossroads." Literally, it's a combination of tri, or "three," and via, "road." Hence, a trivium is an oh-so-ordinary "place where three roads meet."