Insignificant vs. Trivial — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 14, 2023
Insignificant means having little or no importance, whereas trivial refers to matters that are unimportant or frivolous. Both denote a lack of importance, but trivial often implies a dismissive attitude, while insignificant may not.
Difference Between Insignificant and Trivial
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Insignificant" refers to something that holds little to no value or importance in a particular context. "Trivial," on the other hand, denotes something that is superficial or unimportant, often in a way that dismisses it as being not worth consideration. Both terms suggest a lack of importance, but the contexts and connotations can differ.
The term "insignificant" is often used to describe something that has minimal impact or importance in the grand scheme of things. "Trivial," conversely, is generally used to describe matters that are seen as frivolous or not serious. While both terms denote something of little importance, "trivial" is more likely to imply that the subject is unworthy of serious attention.
When describing a detail or fact, "insignificant" suggests that it has little bearing on the overall situation. "Trivial" implies that while the detail may be factual, it is not important enough to warrant serious discussion or consideration. Both terms diminish the value of what they describe, but trivial suggests a more dismissive attitude.
In a mathematical context, "insignificant" might be used to describe a value that doesn't significantly alter the outcome of a calculation. "Trivial," in math, often describes a problem or solution so simple that it requires almost no effort to solve. Both terms suggest a lack of weight or complexity but are applied in different specific contexts.
Comparison Chart
Meaning
Lacking importance or impact
Unimportant and frivolous
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Connotation
Neutral
Dismissive
Context
Broad
Often more specific
Usage in Mathematics
Describes negligible values
Describes simple problems
Subjective Impact
May not imply dismissiveness
Generally implies dismissiveness
Compare with Definitions
Insignificant
Minimal Impact
Your mistakes were insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
Trivial
Unimportant
This is a trivial matter compared to the real issue.
Insignificant
Lacking Importance
This detail is insignificant to the overall project.
Trivial
Frivolous
Your trivial comments aren't contributing to the discussion.
Insignificant
Not Valuable
His contributions to the meeting were insignificant.
Trivial
Not Serious
Stop wasting time on trivial pursuits.
Insignificant
Not Worth Noting
The variance in the data was insignificant.
Trivial
Lacking Value
The difference between the two products is trivial.
Insignificant
Negligible
The cost of the additional feature is insignificant.
Trivial
Of little significance or value.
Insignificant
Lacking in importance; trivial.
Trivial
Concerned with or involving unimportant matters; superficial
A trivial colleague.
A trivial remark.
Insignificant
Lacking power, position, or value; worthy of little regard.
Trivial
Of, relating to, or being the solution of an equation in which every variable is equal to zero.
Insignificant
Small in size or amount.
Trivial
Of, relating to, or being the simplest possible case; self-evident.
Insignificant
Having little or no meaning.
Trivial
Ignorable; of little significance or value.
Insignificant
Not significant; not important, inconsequential, or having no noticeable effect.
Such things are insignificant details compared to the main goal.
Trivial
Commonplace, ordinary.
Insignificant
Without meaning; not signifying anything.
Trivial
Concerned with or involving trivia.
Insignificant
Not significant; void of signification, sense, or import; meaningless; as, insignificant words.
Trivial
(taxonomy) Relating to or designating the name of a species; specific as opposed to generic.
Insignificant
Having no weight or effect; answering no purpose; unimportant; valueless; futile.
Laws must be insignificant without the sanction of rewards and punishments.
Trivial
(mathematics) Of, relating to, or being the simplest possible case.
Insignificant
Without weight of character or social standing; mean; contemptible; as, an insignificant person.
Trivial
(mathematics) Self-evident.
Insignificant
Not large enough to consider or notice
Trivial
Pertaining to the trivium.
Insignificant
Not worthy of notice
Trivial
(philosophy) Indistinguishable in case of truth or falsity.
Insignificant
Signifying nothing;
Insignificant sounds
His response...is picayune and unmeaning
Trivial
(obsolete) Any of the three liberal arts forming the trivium.
Insignificant
Of little importance or influence or power; of minor status;
A minor, insignificant bureaucrat
Peanut politicians
Trivial
Found anywhere; common.
Insignificant
Not important or noteworthy
Trivial
Ordinary; commonplace; trifling; vulgar.
As a scholar, meantime, he was trivial, and incapable of labor.
Trivial
Of little worth or importance; inconsiderable; trifling; petty; paltry; as, a trivial subject or affair.
The trivial round, the common task.
Trivial
Of or pertaining to the trivium.
Trivial
One of the three liberal arts forming the trivium.
Trivial
(informal terms) small and of little importance;
A fiddling sum of money
A footling gesture
Our worries are lilliputian compared with those of countries that are at war
A little (or small) matter
Mickey Mouse regulations
A dispute over niggling details
Limited to petty enterprises
Piffling efforts
Giving a police officer a free meal may be against the law, but it seems to be a picayune infraction
Trivial
Obvious and dull;
Trivial conversation
Commonplace prose
Trivial
Of little substance or significance;
A few superficial editorial changes
Only trivial objections
Trivial
Concerned with trivialities;
A trivial young woman
A trivial mind
Trivial
Not large enough to consider or notice
Trivial
Easily Solved
The math problem was trivial.
Common Curiosities
Is Trivial more dismissive than Insignificant?
Generally, yes. Trivial often implies that the subject is not worth considering.
Can Insignificant and Trivial be used in math?
Yes, but they have specific meanings in that context.
Are Insignificant and Trivial synonyms?
They are similar but have nuanced differences, particularly in connotation.
Is Trivial a subjective term?
Often, yes. What's considered trivial can vary from person to person.
Can something be both Trivial and Insignificant?
Yes, a matter can be both unimportant and easily dismissed.
Are there contexts where Insignificant and Trivial should not be used?
They should be used carefully in sensitive or emotional contexts.
What does Trivial mean?
Unimportant or frivolous.
Is Insignificant always negative?
It's neutral but often perceived negatively due to its implications.
What does Insignificant mean?
Lacking in importance, value, or impact.
Which word is older, Insignificant or Trivial?
Trivial dates back to Latin, while Insignificant has roots in the 17th century.
Is Insignificant more formal than Trivial?
Both words are formal enough for academic or professional settings.
Is there an antonym for Insignificant?
Significant or substantial can be antonyms.
Can Insignificant refer to people?
It can, but it's usually seen as a negative characterization.
Is there an antonym for Trivial?
Significant or important can be antonyms.
Can Trivial refer to people?
Generally, it's not used to describe people as it can be dismissive.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
