Peccadillo - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A peccadillo is a minor fault or trivial offense, often considered harmless or amusing. It refers to small, forgivable mistakes in behavior that are not serious.
Definition:
A minor fault or sin, often trivial or forgivable.
Synonyms:
misdemeanor, indiscretion, lapse, foible
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
virtue, perfection
Common Collocations:
forgive a peccadillo, overlook a peccadillo, commit a peccadillo
Derivatives:
peccadilloes (plural), peccadillous (rare)
Usage Tips:
Use it to describe small, harmless mistakes rather than serious offenses.
Common Phrases:
"a mere peccadillo, " "overlook one's peccadilloes, " "peccadillos of youth"
Etymology:
From Spanish 'pecadillo,' diminutive of 'pecado' (sin), from Latin 'peccatum.'
Examples:
- 1. She laughed off his peccadillo as unimportant.
- 2. His only flaw was a minor peccadillo—forgetting names occasionally.
- 3. The boss overlooked her peccadillo of arriving late sometimes.
- 4. Childhood peccadilloes often seem amusing in hindsight.