Word of the Day: Trivial

by Daniel Scocco

Trivial is an adjective that means ordinary, common or of little value. It comes from the Latin word trivialis, which indicated the cross of public streets (i.e., something that can be found everywhere).

Now that the Democrats are in power, dissent has suddenly and conveniently become unpatriotic. Attacks on disenchanted citizens who speak up at town-hall meetings have ranged from the trivial to the outrageous. (Denver Post)

At first glance the battle for online buddies may seem somewhat trivial, but it has taken on renewed importance with the announcement that MySpace plans to hold the first virtual presidential primary. (Arizona Republic)