picayune
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //ˌpɪkəˈjun//
KK: /pɪˈkeɪjun/
adjective
Definition
Something that is not important or has little value.
Example
The arguments over the details were picayune and did not affect the overall decision.
Conversation
I really don't think those small details are worth worrying about.
I agree, it all feels so picayune sometimes.
Exactly! We should focus on the bigger picture instead.
Right, let’s not waste our time on things that are so trivial.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
trivial
petty
insignificant
Antonyms
important
significant
valuable
noun
Definition
A small amount of money or something that is considered to have little value.
Example
He was worried about spending a picayune on such a trivial matter.
Conversation
Have you ever seen a coin that’s worth less than a picayune?
No, I don’t even know what that looks like!
It's funny how some things can seem so important, yet they’re really just picayune details.
Root Explanation
Picayune originates from the Spanish word 'pica' (meaning a small coin) and the diminutive suffix '-yune' (indicating something small). The term originally referred to a small amount of money, and over time, it has come to describe something of little value or importance.
Memory Tip
Think of a small coin ('pica') to remember that 'picayune' refers to something that is of little value or importance.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.