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Trivial

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means of little importance

Where does the word "trivial" come from? It comes from Latin trivialis, adopted directly into English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
trivialis
Latin · ancient
"of the crossroads, common"
from 'trivium', a place where three roads meet: commonplace talk
2
Stage 2 of 2
trivial
English · 1400s
"commonplace"
medieval schools' 'trivium' of basic subjects added the sense of elementary
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Read the full story

Trivial’s story begins in Latin: trivialis meant “of the crossroads, common.” From 'trivium', a place where three roads meet: commonplace talk. It reached English by 1400s as trivial. Medieval schools' 'trivium' of basic subjects added the sense of elementary. Today, trivial means of little importance.