First Known Use: 1570
Dictionary
paltry
adjective pal·try \ˈpȯl-trē\
: very small or too small in amount
: having little meaning, importance, or worth
pal·tri·erpal·tri·est
Full Definition of PALTRY
2
: mean, despicable <a paltry trick>
3
: trivial <a paltry excuse>
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Origin of PALTRY
obsolete paltry trash, from dialect palt, pelt piece of coarse cloth, trash; akin to Middle Low German palte rag
Related to PALTRY
- Synonyms
- cheap, cruddy, deplorable, despicable, dirty, grubby, lame, lousy, mean, nasty, contemptible, pitiable, pitiful, ratty, scabby, scummy, scurvy, sneaking, sorry, wretched
- Antonyms
- admirable, commendable, creditable, laudable, meritorious, praiseworthy
PALTRY Defined for Kids
paltry
adjective pal·try \ˈpȯl-trē\
pal·tri·erpal·tri·est
Definition of PALTRY for Kids
: of little amount, value, or importance <“I will not be exchanged for such a trifle. My mere weight? A paltry treasure you could carry on a shoulder?” — Sid Fleischman, The Whipping Boy>
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