Vocabulary Spotlight
Bagatelle
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: Something of little value or importance; a trifle.
“To someone with his wealth, the amount of money lost was a mere bagatelle.”
Pronunciation
[ˌbæɡəˈtɛl]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Bauble
Trinket
Trivia
Minor detail
Antonyms
Importance
Substance
Essential
Weight
Related Words
Insignificant (adjective)
Word Origin
“Bagatelle” originates from the French word *bagatelle*, meaning “trifle” or “something of little importance.” Its use in English dates back to the 17th century, where it described small, unimportant matters or items.
Word Family
Noun: Bagatelle – Something of little importance or value.
Adjective: Bagatelle-like – Resembling a trivial or unimportant matter.
Mnemonics
Think of “bag” + “a little” – a small or trivial thing that you can easily carry with you, a bagatelle.
Alternative mnemonic: Imagine a small “bag of tell” – something that tells a very small or trivial detail.
Industry-specific Usage
Literature
In literature, a “bagatelle” may describe minor plot details or elements that do not significantly affect the story.
Finance
In finance, a “bagatelle” might refer to a negligible expense or a minor loss that has little impact on overall funds.
Art
In art, a “bagatelle” piece is often something small and lighthearted, created without serious intent.
In Context
The term “bagatelle” is used to refer to small or unimportant things, often as a way of downplaying their significance.
In various fields, from finance to literature, a bagatelle is a minor detail, underscoring its insignificance to the larger picture.
In everyday language, describing something as a bagatelle can indicate that it is unworthy of attention or concern, offering perspective on what truly matters.