What does a trivial personality mean? Trivial and non-trivial - what is it (meaning of words)

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 French, and then in other adverbs 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, what was repeated many times after smart people, worn out, hackneyed, unoriginal. Previously, in Russian the term carried semantic load“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're talking about 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 even before the introduction of scientific nomenclature, which provides for the naming of objects in accordance with their chemical composition, molecular structure or phylogenetic data, 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. A synonym for this expression is in this case- “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.

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

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 it is

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 decisions, building one’s life and 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 primary school or medieval man. 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 human literacy and understanding of the surrounding reality, but in modern world 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 take advantage of 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 people like this 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 with the constant chewing of 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. It is quite problematic in each specific situation to disassemble it into components and look for something new. original solution or even consciously return to the previous 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 energy and psychic energy, however, this is only relevant in repetitive situations that do not have a 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 opportunity to focus on any thing in your development and choose your circle of friends that does not depend on your territorial location (mobile and social media) people gradually erased the line. Perhaps 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 normality will allow you to quickly enter into general circle, to 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. trade fairs;
  3. inns.

Their main purpose: to provide shelter for tired travelers, to gather ordinary people for debate and discussion of news. Distinctive feature was a contingent of similar 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 also alternative version 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 stereotypedness 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

You might be interested

What is mainstream in simple words Definition is the art of giving definitions briefly and clearly. What is prerogative (in simple words) Gradation in literature and other areas - what is it with examples What is trash and what does it mean in youth slang Etymology of the word and branch of linguistics Flex - what does it mean and what is flex Level and leveling - what does it mean and in what cases is it used What is a norm - definition, types and examples of norms Entourage is a way to create the desired impression Synecdoche is an example of metonymy in Russian What morphology studies (section of grammar) - subject of study and basic concepts