trifle

• 名词，有几个含义：可指一种由海绵蛋糕、水果和奶油制成的冷甜点；也可指价值或意义很小的事物。

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.

   特拉弗

   • 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.

   琐事

   • 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.

   同义词bagatellenonessentialnothingtechnicalitytriviality

   反义词essentialmainstaynecessity

3. Small amountB2formal

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

   少量

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

   同义词bitdashiotajotlittlemitemodicumspecktingetouchtrace

• 动词，表示对某人或某事不认真、不尊重或不重视；也可指玩弄、戏耍、虚度光阴。

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.

   虚度光阴

   • 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.

   同义词dallydawdleidleloiterlollygagloungepotterputter

   反义词applylaborstrivetoilwork

2. Act frivolouslyB2formal

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

   轻浮行事

   • 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.

   同义词cavortdallyfiddlefool aroundfroliclarkplayplay aroundtoy

   反义词laborstrivetoilwork

3. Consider not very seriouslyB2formal

   To treat something as unimportant or insignificant.

   不重视

   • 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.

   同义词belittledismissdisregardminimizeplay downshrug offslighttrivializeunderestimate

   反义词appreciatehonorregardrespectvalue

短语动词变体trifle away