trifle

• Nom ayant plusieurs sens : peut désigner un dessert froid à base de biscuit, de fruits et de crème ; ou bien une chose de peu de valeur ou d'importance.

A noun with multiple meanings: it can refer to a cold dessert made of sponge cake, fruit, and cream; or it can denote something of little value or significance.

1. Cold dessertB1formalbritishculinary

   A chilled dessert consisting of layers of sponge cake, fruit or jelly, custard, and often topped with whipped cream, nuts, or chocolate.

   Trifle (dessert)

   • She prepared a delicious trifle with strawberries and cream.
   • The traditional English trifle is a popular dessert at parties.
   • He added a layer of chocolate shavings on top of the trifle.

2. Insignificant detailB2formal

   A minor or trivial matter that is considered unimportant.

   détail insignifiant

   • Don't worry about that trifle; it won't affect the outcome.
   • They argued over a trifle that was not worth their time.
   • He dismissed the comment as a mere trifle.

   Synonymesbagatellenonessentialnothingtechnicalitytriviality

   Antonymesessentialmainstaynecessity

3. Small amountB2formal

   A very small quantity or amount of something, often used in the phrase 'a trifle'.

   un tout petit peu, une quantité minime

   • The soup needs a trifle more salt.
   • She was a trifle upset by the news.
   • He was a trifle late for the meeting.

   Synonymesbitdashiotajotlittlemitemodicumspecktingetouchtrace

• Verbe désignant le fait de traiter quelque chose ou quelqu'un sans sérieux, sans respect ou sans l'attention due ; s'amuser ou jouer avec légèreté, souvent en minimisant l'importance.

A verb used to indicate the act of treating something or someone without seriousness, respect, or proper attention; to toy or play with.

1. Waste time idlyB2formal

   To spend time in a wasteful or inefficient manner, often doing unimportant things.

   Perdre son temps

   • He trifled away the entire afternoon playing video games.
   • She trifled with her work instead of focusing on the deadline.
   • Stop trifling and get to the point.

   Synonymesdallydawdleidleloiterlollygagloungepotterputter

   Antonymesapplylaborstrivetoilwork

2. Act frivolouslyB2formal

   To behave in a light-hearted, unserious, or playful manner.

   badiner

   • They trifled with the rules, not realizing the consequences.
   • He trifled with her affections, never taking the relationship seriously.
   • The court warned him not to trifle with the law.

   Synonymescavortdallyfiddlefool aroundfroliclarkplayplay aroundtoy

   Antonymeslaborstrivetoilwork

3. Consider not very seriouslyB2formal

   To treat something as unimportant or insignificant.

   ne pas prendre au sérieux

   • She trifled with the idea of moving abroad but never committed.
   • He trifled with the proposal, dismissing it without proper thought.
   • Don't trifle with matters of health and safety.

   Synonymesbelittledismissdisregardminimizeplay downshrug offslighttrivializeunderestimate

   Antonymesappreciatehonorregardrespectvalue

Variantes phrasaltrifle away