# Petit

/ˈpɛti/ (US) · /pətˈiː/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/petit
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

small or minor in importance. It is an old-fashioned word mostly used today in specific legal terms.

For teachers: small, minor, or insignificant in scale or importance. Primarily restricted to legal contexts or archaic usage; often used in fixed phrases.

## Examples

- The lawyer explained the difference between grand and petit larceny.
- The defendant was charged with petit larceny for stealing a small amount of groceries from the store.
- While the term has largely been replaced by 'petty' in modern English, it survives in the legal distinction of a petit jury, which hears evidence and determines facts in a trial.

## Pitfalls

- Not "a petty jury" but "a petit jury" — In specific legal terminology, the traditional spelling 'petit' is required even though it is pronounced like 'petty'.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun. In legal contexts, it is often contrasted with 'grand'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.