a trifle Definition

trifle
noun

1. Anything that has little or no value.
2. A very small amount.

Thesaurus: little, dash, pinch, bit, drop, spot, touch, jot, trace.
(Brit)
3. A type of dessert that usually consists of a layer of sponge-cake soaked in sherry, followed by a layer of jelly and fruit, topped with custard and whipped cream.

verb trifled, trifling

1a. To treat (someone, their feelings, etc) frivolously, insensitively or with a lack of seriousness or respect;

Thesaurus: toy, play, sport, fool, flirt, tease, dally.
Form: trifle with (usually)
1b. To talk or think about (a proposition, idea, project, etc) idly or not very seriously.

Thesaurus: toy, play, sport, fool, flirt, dally, meddle, dabble, idle.
Form: trifle with (usually)
2. To spend or pass (time, energy, money, resources, etc) frivolously.

Form: trifle away (usually)

Derivative: trifler
noun

Someone who is frivolous or idle in behaviour or attitude
Thesaurus: dallier, loafer, idler, dilettante, layabout, good-for-nothing, ne'er-do-well.

Idiom: a trifle

Slightly, rather; to a small extent.
Example: He's a trifle upset

Etymology: 13c: from French trufle, from trufe mockery, deceit.