late 14c., "small," from phonemic spelling of Old French petit "small" (see petit). In English, not originally disparaging (as still in petty cash, 1834; petty officer, 1570s). Meaning "of small importance" is recorded from 1520s; that of "small-minded" is from 1580s. Related: Pettily; pettiness. An old name for "Northern Lights" was petty dancers.
雙語例句
1. Petty crime is having a deleteri-ous effect on community life.
輕微罪行正對社區生活產生有害影響。
來自柯林斯例句
2. At 17, he had a criminal record for petty theft.
他17歲就有了小偷小摸的犯罪前科。
來自柯林斯例句
3. Donaldson was a petty crook with a string of previous offences.
唐納森有一系列小的犯罪前科，但沒犯過大事。
來自柯林斯例句
4. Wilson was not a man who dealt with petty officials.