Word of the Day: Paltry

paltry

pal-try / pôl-trē

adjective

1. worthless; petty; trivial; inconsequential

When I first tried to write, I had nothing to write about except a few paltry experiences which I neither understood nor appreciated.

From “Martin Eden” by Jack London, 1876 – 1916

2. extremely small in amount; negligible; inadequate

If a man borrows a paltry sum of money, there must needs be bonds and securities, and every common civility is presently charged upon account.

Seneca the Younger, 4 BC – 65 AD

3. despicable; mean; contemptible

You cannot have a proud and chivalrous spirit if your conduct is mean and paltry; for whatever a man’s actions are, such must be his spirit.

Demosthenes, 384 BC – 322 BC