All 5 Uses
trifle
in
The Winter's Tale
(Auto-generated)
- Let him that makes but trifles of his eyes First hand me: on mine own accord I'll off; But first I'll do my errand—The good queen, For she is good, hath brought you forth a daughter; Here 'tis; commends it to your blessing.†
Scene 2.3trifles = things of small importance
- My father named me Autolycus; who being, I as am, littered under Mercury, was likewise a snapper-up of unconsidered trifles.†
Scene 4.3
- She prizes not such trifles as these are:
Scene 4.4 *
- —Beseech you, sir, Remember since you ow'd no more to time Than I do now: with thought of such affections, Step forth mine advocate; at your request My father will grant precious things as trifles.†
Scene 5.1
- Would he do so, I'd beg your precious mistress, Which he counts but a trifle.†
Scene 5.1
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) A trifle can refer to a kind of dessert. In classic literature, trifling can be a synonym for small talk.