Literary notes about Inconsequential (AI summary)
Writers deploy "inconsequential" to underscore the triviality or fleeting nature of a detail or character, often contrasting what appears superficially unimportant with deeper implications. It is used to downplay factors that might otherwise be inflated, as when racial and religious differences are dismissed as mere formalities [1] or when a politician is reduced to a fleeting, ephemeral presence [2]. At times, the term punctuates the delicate balance on which significant events swing, subtly questioning the impact of seemingly minor pivots [3]. In other instances, it characterizes dialogue or personal traits that seem unworthy of deeper attention, yet hint at hidden currents beneath the surface [4, 5]. Overall, the word functions as a literary tool to signal that what is outwardly trivial may, through context or accumulation, play a role in shaping character dynamics and narrative tone [6, 7].
- If there is any benefit to be derived from them, I think they must all share, regardless of such inconsequential factors as race and religion.
— from Integration of the Armed Forces, 1940-1965 by Morris J. MacGregor - In this large, airy land, politicians are truly but small fry from small places—inconsequential ephemera, who age in a heart-beat and die.
— from Seeds of Pine by Emily F. (Emily Ferguson) Murphy - Tragedies swing on such inconsequential hinges.
— from The Court of Boyville by William Allen White - He talked about one thing and another and asked her many inconsequential questions.
— from The Wrong Woman by Charles D. (Charles David) Stewart - Then she turned suddenly away, to hide a trace of inconsequential tears.
— from The Wire Tappers by Arthur Stringer - This, however, is inconsequential; the fact remains that Beethoven did not compose “Melusine.”—Why
— from The Life of Ludwig van Beethoven, Volume III by Alexander Wheelock Thayer - "Hello, New York," she said with her foolish and inconsequential little laugh.
— from Never-Fail Blake by Arthur Stringer
