All 11 Uses of
trifle
in
Pride and Prejudice
- People do not die of little trifling colds.†
p. 32.6 *
- Mr. Bennet accepted the challenge, observing that he acted very wisely in leaving the girls to their own trifling amusements.†
p. 68.2
- In as short a time as Mr. Collins's long speeches would allow, everything was settled between them to the satisfaction of both; and as they entered the house he earnestly entreated her to name the day that was to make him the happiest of men; and though such a solicitation must be waived for the present, the lady felt no inclination to trifle with his happiness.†
p. 120.1trifle with = treat thoughtlessly or without respect
- Lady Catherine seemed quite astonished at not receiving a direct answer; and Elizabeth suspected herself to be the first creature who had ever dared to trifle with so much dignified impertinence.†
p. 162.8 *
- The commendation bestowed on him by Mrs. Reynolds was of no trifling nature.†
p. 240.4
- His acquaintance with Elizabeth was very trifling.†
p. 246.7
- That it would be done with such trifling exertion on his side, too, was another very welcome surprise; for his wish at present was to have as little trouble in the business as possible.†
p. 293.4
- I would not on any account trifle with her affectionate solicitude; or allow her to hear it from anyone but myself.†
p. 328.1trifle with = treat thoughtlessly or without respect
- "Miss Bennet," replied her ladyship, in an angry tone, "you ought to know, that I am not to be trifled with.†
p. 334.5trifled with = treated thoughtlessly or without respect
- After a short pause, her companion added, "You are too generous to trifle with me.†
p. 346.5trifle with = treat thoughtlessly or without respect
- It had not been very great; he had lost every point; but when Mrs. Phillips began to express her concern thereupon, he assured her with much earnest gravity that it was not of the least importance, that he considered the money as a mere trifle, and begged that she would not make herself uneasy.†
p. 81.5
Definitions:
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(1)
(trifle as in: a trifling matter) something of small importance; or a small quantity
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(2)
(trifle with as in: trifle with her affections) to treat somebody or something thoughtlessly or without respect
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(3)
(meaning too rare to warrant focus) Less commonly, a trifle can refer to a kind of dessert. In classic literature, trifling can be a synonym for small talk.