Guest

petty detail JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU

/ˈpɛtɪ ˈdɛtaɪl/ · pet·ty de·tail
noun
  1. A small, insignificant aspect of a larger issue or plan. The manager was frustrated with the petty details of the project, such as font sizes and margins.
  2. A minor point of contention or argument. The couple's petty detail about whose turn it was to do the dishes escalated into a full-blown fight.
Did you know? The phrase 'petty detail' is often used in a humorous or ironic way to describe a situation where someone is getting bogged down in minor issues, rather than focusing on the bigger picture.
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 0 lookups Added Jul 25, 2026