Trivial behavior. Trivial

Hackiness, vulgarity, banality; banality, truism, weariness, flatness, mediocrity, unoriginality, stereotypedness, hackneyedness. Ant. unusualness, uncommonness, singularity, non-triviality Dictionary of Russian synonyms. triviality... Dictionary of synonyms

triviality- and, f. trivialité f. Property of the trivial; hackneyedness, vulgarity. BAS 1. The vulgarity and triviality of these pranks will kill you. 2. 10. 1843. Belinsky M. V. Orlova. The triviality of expressions overshadowed the greatness of the sincere in the eyes of honest Chichikov... ... Historical Dictionary of Gallicisms of the Russian Language

TRIVIALITY, triviality, plural. no, female (book). distracted noun to trivial; vulgarity. Triviality of expressions. Ushakov's explanatory dictionary. D.N. Ushakov. 1935 1940 … Ushakov's Explanatory Dictionary

Vulgarity, flatness, rude common people. Dictionary of foreign words included in the Russian language. Chudinov A.N., 1910. TRIVIALITY Vulgarity. Explanation of 25,000 foreign words that have come into use in the Russian language, with their meaning... ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

triviality- trivialumas statusas T sritis fizika atitikmenys: engl. triviality vok. Trivialität, f rus. triviality, f pranc. trivialité, f … Fizikos terminų žodynas

J. abstract noun according to adj. trivial Explanatory Dictionary by Efremova. T. F. Efremova. 2000... Modern explanatory dictionary of the Russian language by Efremova

Triviality, triviality, triviality, triviality, triviality, triviality, triviality, triviality, triviality, triviality, triviality, triviality (Source: “Complete accentuated paradigm according to A.A.... ... Forms of words

Non-triviality, originality... Dictionary of antonyms

triviality- triviality, and... Russian spelling dictionary

triviality- Syn: hackneyedness, vulgarity (enhanced), banality Ant: unusual, extraordinary, unusual, non-trivial... Thesaurus of Russian business vocabulary

Books

  • Don't harm yourself, or Rules for a successful healthy life, Evdokimenko Pavel Valerievich. We often unreasonably believe that successful life, health of body and spirit are possible only through incredible efforts and are available only to a select few. But life is much simpler than you think...
  • Evre, electron, ether and Isaac's postulate. Unified theory of matter physics and cosmogeodynamic evolution, S. M. Isaev. This work is a moral, humanitarian message to physicists around the world, and this is above all. The author substantiates his denial of many established ideas in science, and even direct...

Triviality is a term used in many scientific fields, having as its common meaning the understanding of extreme simplification. Without a universal terminological definition, the meaning of the word triviality is interpreted with appropriate amendments regarding the context of use. In the field of exact sciences, triviality usually denotes the simplest concepts in its class; in the humanities, this term usually acquires the function of an adjective, defining the characteristics of an individual.

So, in the context of characterizing a person, triviality implies a certain simplification of his thinking, actions, approach to life, level of intelligence and other characteristics in relation to which it is used.

What is it

In a personal context, triviality is understood as a person’s lack of creativity, a living mind that allows him to transform information and comprehend new things. This leads to the fact that his behavior is stereotyped, his thoughts are quotes from other people’s opinions, and jokes have long lost their relevance. This situation often arises due to the lack of intellectual or environmental opportunities to enrich one’s baggage and, as a result, judgments become uninteresting and hackneyed; there is no originality in the decision, the construction of one’s life and the expressed point of view. In addition, the humor of such individuals is simplified and sometimes quite vulgar in content.

Triviality can be considered synonymous with banality; it corresponds to the level of development of an elementary school or a medieval person. Since the Middle Ages, the meaning of triviality has been reduced to the understanding and proclamation of banal things, accessible to everyone who has completed the initial stage of education. This arose as a criterion for a person’s literacy and understanding of the surrounding reality, but in the modern world, the triviality of behavior no longer depends on education. The concept has received new extensions relating not only to knowledge, but also to the ability to navigate a situation, creatively process it, and create something exceptional and fresh.

The triviality of thought processes and results leading to this implies a certain lack of demands and interest in one’s own thoughts and desires. That is, such a person will not think for a long time about the situation that has arisen, but will use a ready-made solution, will not analyze the course of his thoughts and check them for correctness or destructiveness; most likely, he will stop at the former. Such rigidity, without pauses for reflection, active mental activity, cannot give a new impetus and development of the situation, in addition, it impoverishes knowledge. Knowledge is meant as such a global category, because new assumptions and possibilities always arise in the process of thinking about previous categories, criticizing one’s actions and other people’s judgments. Without this, using a trivial, predictable approach, the possibility of restructuring experience is destroyed.

The thought process of a trivial person is not distinguished by his own exactingness, therefore the things he states are often perceived by others as bad taste, nonsense, or even extreme vulgarity. They don’t sit at trivial lectures, don’t watch such films, and communicate with such people is also quite rare, because in every person there is a desire to learn new things, to play with the mind, to make discoveries, which is impossible when constantly chewing on irrelevant information.

All stereotyped ideas, actions, decisions are born from triviality. It is she who popularizes already well-known thoughts, making them sound like a refrain in our heads, eliminating the possibility of getting out of the influence of stereotypical thinking. On the positive side, triviality preserves old beliefs and traditions, in principle, any traditions developed by positive behavior, which greatly simplifies a person’s life. In each specific situation, it is quite problematic to disassemble it into its components and look for a new original solution or even consciously come to the old one - this takes a lot of time and can sometimes be expensive in situations where a quick response is necessary. Thus, triviality is a kind of resource that saves strength and mental energy, but this is only relevant in repetitive situations that do not have key semantic or life significance.

Negative statements associated with triviality do not in any way reflect its stabilizing and unifying function, but only condemn its everyday and petty orientation. It is impossible to completely exclude this quality, which is present in the character of every person, since otherwise this would be society’s welcome to chaos and misunderstanding. The everyday everyday level is the basis that helps unite all people of different ages, beliefs, intellectual and social levels.

Of course, in order to gain new emotions and expand their experience, people strive for creative and unlimited personalities, for originals, but not everyone has the opportunity to constantly be close to such a gushing source. Therefore, over time, having received new emotional as well as mental experience, a person takes a break to integrate new information into his usual trivial world.

At this stage of development of society, we can talk about the individual level of trivial perception. So, having a completely diverse experience, the ability to focus on any thing in their development and choose a circle of friends that does not depend on their territorial location (mobile and social networks), people gradually blurred the line. It is possible that what is familiar, familiar and even boring for a person who is in the same conditions with you will become innovative ideas and a unique experience for another. Now it is impossible to establish one standard for absolutely all people, as it was in the Middle Ages.

But in order to navigate your originality or triviality, you can carefully look at the ideas and trends floating in your immediate circle of friends and evaluate what new you, as an individual, bring to the understanding of this. This trait can be both developed and overcome in order to add a little predictability to yourself and fit into the established company; it is better to increase your triviality in their eyes by telling a few jokes specific to these people. Such a small amount of manifestation of ordinaryness will allow you to quickly enter the general circle and be accepted as one of your own. If there is a feeling that your favorite company is getting bored of communicating with you, and your speeches are finished earlier, then it makes sense to load your thinking before speaking. Simple practices like questioning your thesis or connecting two theories can help bring freshness back to your perspective.

Hello, dear readers of the blog site. Trivial is a term used in the form of an adjective or adverb. The list of areas of application is long.

The meaning may differ depending on the context of the sentence. This creates difficulty in understanding in some cases.

Definition - what is it?

The meaning of the word "trivial" may vary. Many people use the term to have a negative connotation. But it's just inaccurate synonym of the following words:

  1. banal;
  2. primitive;
  3. vulgar.

The correct meaning of the word triviality is the designation degree of simplification anything.

Used in mathematics, other sciences and in general conversational style. The term does not have a universal, precise definition.

Familiarization with the section of the explanatory dictionary for the Russian language does not allow you to understand the meaning in context. It is necessary to understand the origin of the term using a simple example.

Use in the modern world

The term is used in science. Sometimes with a negative connotation. In chemistry, the word “trivial” is used to denote substances whose molecular elements were discovered before the use of modern designations. Example:

  1. baking soda;
  2. sugar and more.

Triviality is banality, simplicity

Without exception, all researchers agree that “trivial” is clearly of Latin origin (trivialis). Its translation is simple: near three roads. A crossroads is implied. Located on it:

  1. tavern (small tavern);
  2. fairs;
  3. inns.

Their main purpose: to provide shelter for tired travelers, to gather ordinary people for debate and discussion of news. A distinctive feature was the contingent of such institutions. not at the “highest” level.

As a result, the expression “ trivialis" It meant something simple, banal, uncomplicated. But at the same time: repeated many times by other, more authoritative and intelligent people.

Previously in Russian the word had the following meaning:

  1. ordinary;
  2. everyday.

Over time, the meaning has changed and acquired a negative connotation. When used it implies “vulgar.” The term with the prefix “not” has the opposite meaning.

Non-trivial is unusual, original.

There is an alternative version of the interpretation of the term.

Non-trivial is a smart, interesting person

Some researchers express thoughts about the origin of the word from the Latin “trivium”. The term denoted one of the classes of education in the Middle Ages. Education then implied knowledge of reading, writing and counting. After passing the exam, the young man could enroll in a university preparatory course. Where I studied 3 different sciences:

  1. grammar;
  2. rhetoric;
  3. dialectics (logic).

In this version, triviality does not initially mean anything negative. On the contrary, the term means obtaining a certain level of education - “ trivium" In ancient times, this was the designation for the three liberal arts. Grammar was the basis of all knowledge at that time.

The study of rhetoric made it possible to briefly but succinctly express thoughts. , gave the basics of logic. At the dawn of its existence, the term trivium denoted an intelligent, extraordinary person. But over time the meaning has changed to the opposite.

Negative connotation of the term

There was a kind of “hazing” among students in the Middle Ages. After receiving a “trivial” education, the student moved on to the next level. It was designated “quadrivium” and included 4 types of art:

  1. mathematics;
  2. geometry;
  3. astronomy;
  4. music.

After reaching the “quadrivium” level, the student treated the rest of the students with disdain and called them trivial.

In this case, the word was used to denote negativity. Implied dropout who have not completed higher education.

Modern meaning of the word triviality

The value discussed above is an exception to the rule. In colloquial speech and journalistic style, the word is used in one meaning: hackneyed, unoriginal. Nontrivial – , the opposite meaning is implied. New, original.

Trivial thoughts are often called stereotyped thoughts, the clichés with which a person thinks. In Russian it is used in a derogatory sense. Point out to a person his triviality- to indicate the banality, the stereotyped nature of his thinking.

Therefore, it is important to use the word with caution. Some will take this as an insult. For a better understanding of the term, it is worth watching the lecture:

Over time, the meaning of the word may change again or disappear. Language tends to change, and established expressions become a thing of the past. New terms are being replaced. The meaning of the word “trivial” today is clear.

Good luck to you! See you soon on the pages of the blog site

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TRIVIAL TRIVIAL (lat. trivialis - located at a crossroads, on a public road). Vulgar, vulgar; common people, rude.

Dictionary of foreign words included in the Russian language. - Chudinov A.N., 1910.

TRIVIAL [lat. trivialis - ordinary] - 1) unoriginal, ordinary, vulgar, hackneyed; 2) consisting of truisms (TRUISM). Fr. trivial.

Dictionary of foreign words. - Komlev N.G., 2006.

TRIVIAL of bad taste, bad taste, vulgar.

A complete dictionary of foreign words that have come into use in the Russian language. - Popov M., 1907.

TRIVIAL lat. trivialis, actually located on an open public road. Vulgar.

Explanation of 25,000 foreign words that came into use in the Russian language, with the meaning of their roots. - Mikhelson A.D., 1865.

TRIVIAL vulgar.

Dictionary of foreign words included in the Russian language. - Pavlenkov F., 1907.

Trivial ( fr. trivial lat. trivia-lis ordinary) hackneyed, vulgar, devoid of freshness and originality.

New dictionary of foreign words. - by EdwART, 2009.

Trivial [Latin. trivialis, lit. located at the crossroads of three roads, street] (book). Beaten, vulgar, devoid of freshness and originality.

Large dictionary of foreign words. - Publishing house "IDDK", 2007.

Trivial aya, oh, flax, flax ( fr. trivial lat. triviālis vulgaris).
Unoriginal, banal. Trivial thought.
Triviality -
1) property of the trivial;
2) trivial expression, trivial act.

Explanatory dictionary of foreign words by L. P. Krysin. - M: Russian language, 1998.


Synonyms: banal, hackneyed, mediocre, hackneyed, worn out, unoriginal, vulgar, flat, vulgar, formulaic
  • TRIUMVIRATE
  • TRIVIALLY

See what "TRIVIAL" is in other dictionaries:

    trivial- See... Dictionary of synonyms

    trivial- oh, oh. trivial lat. trivialis ordinary, simple. Devoid of novelty, originality; beaten, vulgar. BAS 1. In correspondence with Baron Cherkasov, Catherine’s nobility is noticeable, among other things, that she avoids it in an amusing, generous, humorous manner... ...Historical Dictionary of Gallicisms of the Russian Language

    TRIVIAL- TRIVIAL, trivial, trivial; trivial, trivial, trivial (lat. trivialis, lit. located at the crossroads of three roads, street) (book). Beaten, vulgar, devoid of freshness and originality. Trivial habits. Trivial (adv... Ushakov’s Explanatory Dictionary

    TRIVIAL- TRIVIAL, oh, oh; flax, linen (book). Unoriginal, banal. Trivial thought. | noun triviality, and, female Ozhegov's explanatory dictionary. S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Shvedova. 1949 1992 ... Ozhegov's Explanatory Dictionary

    TRIVIAL- French vulgar, vulgar. vulgarity, vulgarity. Dahl's Explanatory Dictionary. V.I. Dahl. 1863 1866 ... Dahl's Explanatory Dictionary

    trivial- Through. German trivial or French trivial – the same from lat. triviālis what is lying on the main road: trivium the intersection of three roads ... Etymological Dictionary of the Russian Language by Max Vasmer

    trivial- (foreign) about flat, vulgar, vulgar, very ordinary, mediocre Triviality flatness, vulgarity Wed. The lecture began and was a brilliant success. The ladies found that its content was extremely trivial, but since it is from Russian... ... Michelson's Large Explanatory and Phraseological Dictionary

    Trivial- Trivial (foreign) about flat, vulgar, vulgar, very ordinary mediocre. Triviality is flat, vulgar. Wed. The lecture began and was crowned with brilliant success. The ladies found that its content was extremely trivial, but so... ... Michelson's Large Explanatory and Phraseological Dictionary (original spelling)

    Trivial- adj. Devoid of freshness and originality, hackneyed, unoriginal, banal. Ephraim's explanatory dictionary. T. F. Efremova. 2000 ... Modern explanatory dictionary of the Russian language by Efremova

    trivial- trivial, trivial, trivial, trivial, trivial, trivial, trivial, trivial, trivial, trivial, trivial, trivial, trivial, trivial, trivial, trivial, trivial, trivial,... ... Forms of words

Books

  • Theory of irrationality of the third degree, Faddeev D.K.. This book will be produced in accordance with your order using Print-on-Demand technology. Most of the modern theory of algebraic numbers considers questions that are simplest, but no longer... Read more Buy for 1950 rubles
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Other books on request "TRIVIAL" >>

Is “triviality” a word with a negative connotation?

What is the meaning of the word "triviality"? We are used to using it exclusively in a negative way. But is it right to consider the expression “trivial” as a synonym for “banal,” “primitive,” or even “vulgar”? Where did this apparently foreign word come from? In this article we will consider several versions of the origin of the term, its further metamorphoses and rooting in the Russian language. Let us remember in what cases it is appropriate to use this word. We will also study the question of why some scientific pedants also consider the words “sugar”, “saltpeter” or “strawberry” to be trivial expressions.

The first version of the origin of the term

All researchers agree that “triviality” is a Latin word with a Russian ending inherent in nouns. The most approximate translation of the term trivialis is “by three roads.” What was at the crossroads in the ancient settlements of Europe? Historians claim that the place was for fairs or an inn. In such places, ordinary people gathered, news that was on everyone’s lips was discussed, and debates were held that were not of the highest oratorical level. Therefore, first in French, and then in other dialects, the expression “trivialis,” that is, “a crossroads of three roads,” acquired an allegorical meaning. On the one hand, this is something simple, simple. But on the other hand, it is repeated many times after smart people, hackneyed, hackneyed, unoriginal. Previously, in the Russian language the term carried the semantic load of “everyday”, “ordinary”, but then gradually acquired a negative connotation - “vulgar”.

Second version of the origin of the term

Other researchers see the noble trivium at the root of the word "triviality". This is one of the levels of medieval classical education. When a boy mastered reading, writing and counting, he could enter, in modern terms, the “preparatory faculty” of the university. There he studied the “trivium” - the three liberal arts. Grammar is the basis of all knowledge. It included the study of literature and even mastering the art of versification. Rhetoric, according to Raban the Maurus, made it possible to correctly and succinctly express one’s thoughts (both in writing and in front of an audience), and also introduced the student to the fundamentals of jurisprudence. It is also the art of drafting official documents and record keeping. And finally, dialectics, or logic, the science of all sciences. Ability to think and debate. This free art was comprehended with the help of the works of Aristotle translated by Boethius. As we see, there is nothing wrong with this origin of the word “trivial”. On the contrary, the one who mastered the trivium was already considered an extraordinary, learned person.

Vulgarization of the term

Where did it come from that “triviality” is something banal, devoid of originality and novelty, something in which there is no flight of thought or spirit? Let us not forget that the trivium was only the first (and lowest) stage in the education system of the Middle Ages. Next, the student studied the “quadrivium”. This level included the four liberal arts - music, arithmetic, geometry and astronomy. It should be assumed that medieval students also had their own “hazing,” which was expressed in a disdainful attitude towards their still “uncouth” comrades from junior years. In the mouth of a well-trained cleric, a “trivial person” is one who has mastered only the trivium. That is, we are talking about a dropout with incomplete higher education.

"Triviality": meaning in chemistry, biology and mathematics

In these branches of human knowledge, the term does not always have a negative connotation. If some substances or living organisms received their name before the introduction of scientific nomenclature, which provides for the naming of objects in accordance with their chemical composition, molecular structure or phylogenetic data, then they are considered “trivial”. These are sugar (α-D-glucopyranosyl-β-D-fructofuranoside), baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), strawberries (garden strawberry) or night blindness (caustic buttercup). In mathematics, triviality is certain numbers close to zero. As well as arithmetic equations operating with these numbers.

Usage in colloquial speech

But “triviality” as a scientific term is an exception to the rule. In common parlance this word carries a clear meaning. These are banal sayings, hackneyed, well-worn maxims. In relation to clothing, the term can mean mediocrity, lack of style and originality. Also, something simple or self-evident is said to be trivial. The synonym for this expression in this case is “common place”. Sometimes shallow, banal thoughts are called trivial, when a person operates with stereotyped concepts. In Russian, this word carries a connotation of vulgarity and mundaneness. To say about a person that he is a complete triviality means to say that he is boring and uninteresting. Therefore, before calling your interlocutor that name, think about it, because he may be offended.

Trivial name

Trivial name(from lat. trivialis, literally - “located at the crossroads of three roads”, “street”; the original meaning of the word was borrowed from the French language, where it meant “vulgar”, “vulgarized”) - the everyday name of an object or phenomenon, different from that accepted in scientific nomenclature.

Trivial names are common in two areas of knowledge - chemistry and biology. They appeared before the introduction of nomenclature regulating the naming of objects in accordance with their molecular structure, chemical composition, or phylogenetic relationships between living organisms. Historically, trivial names were used to designate substances used in practical activities, and their names reflect not the chemical structure, but the appearance or specific properties of the named objects. Many trivial names were introduced by alchemists. They may have different meanings in different industrial areas or regions.

Trivial names are still used not only in everyday life, but also by professionals, if the trivial name is much more compact than the systematic one. For example, a common name sugar used to refer to disaccharide sucrose, which has a systematic name α-D-glucopyranosyl-β-D-fructofuranoside.

Examples

  • Chemistry:
    • Bertholet's salt - Potassium chlorate
    • Drinking (baking) soda - Sodium bicarbonate
    • Potash - Potassium carbonate
    • Saltpeter
    • Aqua regia
    • Rare earths - Rare earth elements
    • Iodine - Iodine.
  • Biology:
    • Strawberry - Garden strawberry
    • Night blindness - Buttercup caustic
  • Food industry:
    • "Baking powder" - baking powder

Links

  • TRIVIAL NAMES OF SUBSTANCES- article from the Krugosvet encyclopedia

What does trivial mean?

Irina Robertovna Makhrakova

Question on gramota.ru
Please explain the meaning of the word trivial and give an example with this word.
Answer
Trivial - devoid of freshness and originality, hackneyed, vulgar. Trivial joke.
N.I. Bereznikova adds.


TRIVIAL adj. Devoid of freshness and originality, hackneyed, vulgar.
Explanatory Dictionary of the Russian Language by Ushakov (slovari.yandex.ru):
TRIVIAL, aya, oh; -len, flax, flax [Latin trivialis, lit. located at the crossroads of three roads, street] (book). Battered, vulgar, devoid of freshness and originality. Trivial habits. Trivial (adv. ) make a joke.
Trivial and banal (article on [link blocked by decision of the project administration])
In Russian, the words “trivial” and “banal” have significantly different meanings. Trivial is simple and lacks complexity. Banal is not so much “simple” as it is uninteresting, the most ordinary, and also somehow mundane.
In Russian mathematical language the word trivial is often used. Trivial solutions, a trivial transformation, are everything that is similar to "null", i.e. everything that does not represent anything "non-trivial".
Interestingly, in Italian these words have almost the opposite meaning!
Trivial means down-to-earth, “simple-peasant,” stupid, flat, rude. The etymology of the word is from “three roads,” i.e., a place in ancient settlements where ordinary people, who had nothing to do, used to gather and conduct their simple “bazaar.” This word is not used in scientific speech.
And in the Italian mathematical language, what we call trivial is called banal there. Banal transformation, banal roots of the equation, etc.
These are the features.

Haraneko Pavel

Grammar, rhetoric, dialectics - these are things without which a person will not be able to express his thoughts and enter into dialogue (communication) with other people. This poor word has been so worn out that it has turned into something vulgar, hackneyed, simple, etc. etc. IMHO... I think it would be better not to use it at all than to use it the way it is used.

What does trivial mean?

Trivial is simple and lacks complexity. Synonyms unoriginal, banal, standard, elementary, primitive, simplest
Trivial means down-to-earth, “simple-peasant,” stupid, flat, rude. The etymology of the word is from “three roads,” i.e., a place in ancient settlements where ordinary people who had nothing to do used to gather and conduct their simple “bazaar.”

Explanatory dictionary (gramota.ru):
In the Latin language of the Middle Ages there were the concepts of “trivium” and “quadrivium”. This was the name given to the first and second stages of education. Grammar, rhetoric, dialectics - this was the minimum educational level, trivium, “three roads”. The second stage, quadrivium, “four roads” (arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, music) - not everyone was able to do it. So “trivial” is initially generally understood, accessible at an elementary level.
Explanatory dictionary:
TRIVIAL - Devoid of freshness and originality, hackneyed, vulgar.

Taisiya

Trivial name (from the Latin trivialis, literally - “located at the crossroads of three roads”, “street”; the original meaning of the word was borrowed from the French language, where it meant “vulgar”, “vulgarized”) - the name of an object or phenomenon, different from that accepted in scientific nomenclature.

~Victoria~

Devoid of novelty, freshness; unoriginal, banal; extremely simple
- hackneyed, vulgar, devoid of freshness and originality.
- trivial, –aya, –oe; – flax, – flax (book). unoriginal, banal. trivial thought. Materials provided by the Dictionaries and Encyclopedias project on Academician

Trivial. What does it mean?

Your question is trivial. How is that? - 3 years ago

Leelavadee

The word "trivial" means almost the same as "banal". This word has quite a lot of synonyms that are more popular in everyday life. This concept can also be used in the following meanings: primitive, standard, ordinary, ordinary, too simple, simplest, unpretentious.

In general, the word “trivial” is quite exotic to the ears of an ordinary Russian person and is used more likely in circles with a fairly high intellectual level or as a “newfangled” word to flaunt one’s horizons in the company of less verbally savvy friends.

Matraskina

It means "simple", "ordinary", "trivial" or "not original", I use this word most often in the sense of "simple" because it comes from the Latin trivialis - simple or ordinary, which, in my opinion, is more fully characterizes the meaning of the Russian borrowing "trivial".

What is trivial? Show me with an example, please))

Sunrabbit

devoid of novelty, freshness; unoriginal, banal ◆ His writings were trivial, ideologically complete, and wretched.

Extremely simple ◆ By the way, the question of the possible number of championship pilots is not as trivial as it seems at first glance.

Synonyms
unoriginal, banal, standard
elementary, primitive, simplest

Antonyms
original, non-standard
complex, confusing

Ilya Kochergin

Example: a trivial way to get married is to register a profile on a dating site, go to corporate parties more often, sign up for a fitness or dance group.

A non-trivial way to get married is to open a dating service and a network of fitness clubs yourself, earn many thousands of dollars and become the very first number on the list of the most enviable brides according to Forbes magazine. So that all men die lusting after you!

What is the meaning of the word "triviality"? We are used to using it exclusively in a negative way. But is it right to consider the expression “trivial” as a synonym for “banal,” “primitive,” or even “vulgar”? Where did this apparently foreign word come from? In this article we will consider several versions of the origin of the term, its further metamorphoses and rooting in the Russian language. Let us remember in what cases it is appropriate to use this word. We will also study the question of why some scientific pedants also consider the words “sugar”, “saltpeter” or “strawberry” to be trivial expressions.

The first version of the origin of the term

All researchers agree that “triviality” is a Latin word with a Russian ending inherent in nouns. The most approximate translation of the term trivialis is “by three roads.” What was at the crossroads in the ancient settlements of Europe? Historians claim that the place was for fairs or an inn. In such places, ordinary people gathered, news that was on everyone’s lips was discussed, and debates were held that were not of the highest oratorical level. Therefore, first in French, and then in other dialects, the expression “trivialis,” that is, “a crossroads of three roads,” acquired an allegorical meaning. On the one hand, this is something simple, simple. But on the other hand, it is repeated many times after smart people, hackneyed, hackneyed, unoriginal. Previously, in the Russian language the term carried the semantic load of “everyday”, “ordinary”, but then gradually acquired a negative connotation - “vulgar”.

Second version of the origin of the term

Other researchers see the noble trivium at the root of the word "triviality". This is one of the levels of medieval classical education. When a boy mastered reading, writing and counting, he could enter, in modern terms, the “preparatory faculty” of the university. There he studied the “trivium” - the three liberal arts. Grammar is the basis of all knowledge. It included the study of literature and even mastering the art of versification. Rhetoric, according to Raban the Maurus, made it possible to correctly and succinctly express one’s thoughts (both in writing and in front of an audience), and also introduced the student to the fundamentals of jurisprudence. It is also the art of drafting official documents and record keeping. And finally, dialectics, or logic, the science of all sciences. Ability to think and debate. This free art was comprehended with the help of the works of Aristotle translated by Boethius. As we see, there is nothing wrong with this origin of the word “trivial”. On the contrary, the one who mastered the trivium was already considered an extraordinary, learned person.

Vulgarization of the term

Where did it come from that “triviality” is something banal, devoid of originality and novelty, something in which there is no flight of thought or spirit? Let us not forget that the trivium was only the first (and lowest) stage in the education system of the Middle Ages. Next, the student studied the “quadrivium”. This level included the four liberal arts - music, arithmetic, geometry and astronomy. It should be assumed that medieval students also had their own “hazing,” which was expressed in a disdainful attitude towards their still “uncouth” comrades from junior years. In the mouth of a well-trained cleric, a “trivial person” is one who has mastered only the trivium. That is, we are talking about a dropout with an education.

"Triviality": meaning in chemistry, biology and mathematics

In these branches of human knowledge, the term does not always have a negative connotation. If some substances or living organisms received their name before the introduction of scientific nomenclature, which provides for the naming of objects in accordance with their chemical composition, molecular structure or phylogenetic data, then they are considered “trivial”. These are sugar (α-D-glucopyranosyl-β-D-fructofuranoside), baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), strawberries (garden strawberry) or (caustic buttercup). In mathematics, triviality is certain numbers close to zero. As well as arithmetic equations operating with these numbers.

Usage in colloquial speech

But “triviality” as a scientific term is an exception to the rule. In common parlance this word carries a clear meaning. These are banal sayings, hackneyed, well-worn maxims. In relation to clothing, the term can mean mediocrity, lack of style and originality. Also, something simple or self-evident is said to be trivial. The synonym for this expression in this case is “common place”. Sometimes shallow, banal thoughts are called trivial, when a person operates with stereotyped concepts. In Russian, this word carries a connotation of vulgarity and mundaneness. To say about a person that he is a mere triviality means to say that he is boring and uninteresting. Therefore, before calling your interlocutor that name, think about it, because he may be offended.



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