What does the term "Lilliputian" usually signify in modern contexts?

The term "Lilliputian" originates from Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels," specifically referring to the tiny inhabitants of Lilliput, who are a fraction of the size of ordinary humans. In modern contexts, the term has come to signify something small or trivial, often implying a sense of insignificance or minor importance. This association makes sense as the story contrasts the tiny size of the Lilliputians with their immense capacity for conflict, as well as their petty and trivial concerns, which Swift critiques.

The other choices do not align with the established meaning of "Lilliputian." For instance, it does not relate to something large and powerful, nor does it describe a specific form of governance or a distinct style of literature, both of which are expansive and significant concepts by nature. The primary connection remains rooted in the ideas of size and triviality, enhancing the understanding that "Lilliputian" symbolizes that which is diminutive or inconsequential.