What does "petty" mean?
An outbuilding used as a lavatory; an outhouse, a privy.
Petty
/ˈpɛt.i/ adj, name, noun, slang
adj, name, noun, slang ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An outbuilding used as a lavatory; an outhouse, a privy.
- Grammar: petty is listed as adj, name, noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: abject, abominable, arrant, atrocious.
- Useful contrasts: brobdingnagian, cosmic structure, generous.
- Usage evidence: In this harsh, petty world where money does the talking, his way of life is like a breath of fresh air.
How to use "petty"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "petty" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "petty" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "petty" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "petty" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "petty" is acting as adj, name, noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "abject" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "petty", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An outbuilding used as a lavatory; an outhouse, a privy. dialectal, euphemistic, informal
"If these houses had been built by his Lordship every one would have had his petty, at all events dividing the odour & also having a chance that some of the occupiers would clean out—but a common occupation is nobody's business, unless the owner of all the buildings takes it in hand."
- 2 larceny of property having a value less than some amount (the amount varies by locale) wordnet
- 3 A class or school for young schoolboys. historical
"[…] I took my seat in what was denominated, "The Idle Class", that is, at the very bottom of the school, where all those who have not received some previous instruction in Latin are placed. I however soon got out of that disgraceful and ignorant form, passed with rapidity and eclat the under and upper petty, and entered into the upper first, […]"
- 4 A little schoolboy, either in grade or size. also, figuratively, in-plural, obsolete
"[S]ome of them, which were the Petties and Punies of that ſchoole, whereof old Martin [Marprelate] was the maſter; though then he was but as ſome blinde and obſcure pariſh Clarke that taught in the Belfrie, not preſuming, as hee doth nowe, to preſſe into the Church, (that place in reſpect of the appurtenances being fitter for him) began but rawly with their little a, b, c."
Adjective
- 1 Having little or no importance. derogatory, often
"a petty fault petty squabbles"
- 2 Of persons or their behaviour: marked by or reflective of undesirably limited interests, sympathies, or views; begrudging, selfish, small-minded; also, preoccupied with subjects having little or no importance and not mindful of broader concerns. derogatory, often
"Such literature may well be anathema to those who are too docile and petty for their own good."
- 3 Inclined to cause frustration or annoyance to others out of spite over minor grievances; extremely vindictive. derogatory, informal, often
"My cousin is so petty—I forgot his birthday and he's been making snarky comments all week."
- 4 Of or relating to the lowest grade or level of school; junior, primary. historical
"Friends are separated for long portions of time even while they live; at last they take their leave for ever: although, I remember, when you left me in the petty form at Westminster, I soon afterwards found you in a higher remove: and this world is only the petty form of the universe; so I not only expect to pass a social hour with you here, but am in hopes of a merry meeting in a better place; […]"
- 5 Little or small in size.
"To morrow, and to morrow, and to morrow, / Creepes in this petty pace from day to day, / To the laſt Syllable of Recorded time: / And all our yeſterdayes, haue lighted Fooles / The way to duſty death."
Show 1 more definition
- 6 Secondary in importance or rank; minor, subordinate.
"petty cash petty officer"
Adjective
- 1 contemptibly narrow in outlook wordnet
- 2 (informal) small and of little importance wordnet
- 3 inferior in rank or status wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname.
Antonyms
Example
"In this harsh, petty world where money does the talking, his way of life is like a breath of fresh air."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "petty"?
Common synonyms include: abject, abominable, arrant, atrocious, authoritarian, banal.
How do you use "petty" in a sentence?
In this harsh, petty world where money does the talking, his way of life is like a breath of fresh air.
How do you pronounce "petty"?
Pronounced /ˈpɛt.i/.
Etymology
The adjective is derived from Middle English peti, pety (“little, small; minor”) [and other forms], from Anglo-Norman petit, Middle French petit, and Old French peti, petit, pitet (“young; little, small; inferior; insignificant”) (modern French petit), ultimately of imitative origin. It is no longer thought that the word is derived from Celtic. Doublet of petit and petite. The noun is derived from the adjective.