a trifle
16
4.1
- idiom
- /ə ˈtraɪfəl/
:
un poco
- Fashions have changed a trifle in the last decade.
- just a trifle
- perhaps a trifle
- a trifle too
Examples
-
Naturally, we feel a trifle nervous, but the pleasure of anticipation is great.
Fiction book (1994) -
I am a trifle disappointed at the ease with which I could pull you in.
-
Why would the police be interested in such a trifle?
-
A police car appears, taking the corner just a trifle too fast.
Fiction book (1992) -
You could be a trifle polite.
-
Did she seem a trifle distant?
-
Well, pardon me if I'm a trifle confused.
-
Oh, it seems I was a trifle hasty.
-
Embleton says he seemed a trifle unhinged.
-
She was a trifle nervous before her performance, but she delivered it well.
Synonyms
∞
1.6
To a small or medium degree
∞
1.0
A small amount, not very much
∞
1.0
To a small degree or amount
885
1.0
A little, not very much
816
2.0
To a small degree
92
2.7
To a small, gentle degree
47
2.7
In a way that is only slightly noticeable
35
4.1
By a small amount
Antonyms
How Much
Surface Forms
Morphology
a + trifle
The sense 'to a small degree; slightly' is directly derived from the noun 'trifle' (an unimportant or small thing) so 'a trifle' means 'a small amount'. This is a regular compositional use (noun → degree expression) and follows predictable English patterns, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents should be able to infer the meaning.
Etymology
A trifle comes from the old word trifle, meaning a small, unimportant thing and also a light dessert. So saying something is a trifle gives the image of only a little bit, which is why it means 'to a small degree' or 'slightly'.