bagatelles
|bag-a-telles|
/ˌbæɡəˈtɛlz/
(bagatelle)
triviality
Etymology
'bagatelle' originates from French, specifically the word 'bagatelle', where it meant 'a trifle'.
'bagatelle' changed from the Italian word 'bagattella' (a diminutive of 'bagata') and was borrowed into French as 'bagatelle' before entering English; the word reached English usage in the 18th century.
Initially, it meant 'a trifle' in Italian/French; over time the word preserved that sense in English and also came to denote 'a short light musical piece'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
things of little importance or value; trifles.
Many of his complaints were mere bagatelles compared with the company's larger problems.
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Noun 2
short, light musical pieces (often for piano); musical miniatures.
She included several bagatelles by lesser-known composers in her recital.
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Last updated: 2025/12/30 22:00