BAGATELLE Meaning and
Definition
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Bagatelle is a noun that refers to a small and unimportant or trivial thing. It is derived from the French term, meaning "a trifle" or "a trinket." As such, bagatelle commonly describes something insignificant or of little consequence, often with an undertone of dismissiveness or triviality. It can be used to describe a small, inconsequential action, an inconspicuous decorative item, or an easily dismissible idea or notion.
In terms of entertainment, bagatelle also refers to a table game that originated in France in the 18th century. The game consists of a special board with holes, into which players use a cue to strike small balls, attempting to score points by getting the balls into designated scoring areas. Bagatelle is akin to other cue sports such as billiards or pinball, albeit on a smaller and simpler scale.
Additionally, the term can be used metaphorically to describe a piece of music, usually of a light or frivolous nature. A bagatelle in music often implies a short and lighthearted composition that is neither complex nor emotionally profound. It typically exhibits a playful, whimsical, or sometimes even repetitive character.
Overall, the word "bagatelle" encompasses various notions of smallness, insignificance, and triviality, and can be applied to a range of contexts, from everyday objects or actions to entertainment and artistic endeavors.
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A trifle; a thing of no importance; name of a game.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for BAGATELLE
- vagatelle
- nagatelle
- hagatelle
- gagatelle
- bzgatelle
- bsgatelle
- bwgatelle
- bqgatelle
- bafatelle
- bavatelle
- babatelle
- bahatelle
- bayatelle
- bawatelle
- Bagatall
- Batelle
- Kasatell
Etymology of BAGATELLE
The word "bagatelle" originates from the French language. It comes from the Old Provençal word "bagatel" or the Old Italian word "bagatella", both of which correspond to "trifle" or "small possession". Its ultimate root is the Latin word "baca", meaning "berry" or "small round object". Over time, "bagatelle" came to be used in the French language to refer to something insignificant, trivial, or of little value. In English, "bagatelle" first appeared in the early 17th century, primarily used to describe a light or trivial piece of music, and later expanded its meaning to encompass other frivolous or inconsequential things.
Similar spelling word for BAGATELLE
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