Master confusing words with ease
Paltry vs. Petty
Paltry
/ˈpɔːltri/Examples:
He grumbled over the paltry sum he received for his efforts.Faced with a paltry menu, we opted for another restaurant.Her paltry excuse for being late didn't convince anyone.
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Antonyms:
Petty
/ˈpeti/Examples:
The debate was dismissed as a petty quarrel.They put aside petty differences to collaborate.Ignoring petty criticisms, she delivered a great speech.
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Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Paltry often refers to something small or meager in amount, such as a paltry sum of money.
- Petty often implies something that is insignificant or trivial, particularly emphasizing unimportance in a broader context.
- Both words can describe something inferior, but paltry is more about quantity or size, while petty addresses the significance or pettiness of an attitude or action.
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