diminutive

diminutive — adjective

IPA/dɪˈmɪnjətɪv/
KK[dɪmˈɪnjətɪv]IPA/dɪˈmɪnjətɪv/
  • diminutivepositive
  • more diminutivecomparative
  • most diminutivesuperlative

1. much smaller than normal in physical size, height, or build

1.adjectiveC2
Definition

much smaller than normal in physical size, height, or build

Example

The toy shop displayed a diminutive tea set beside the full-size one.

diminutive + noun for unusually small objects

Despite his diminutive frame, Darius carried both suitcases upstairs alone.

common collocation: diminutive frame

Common collocations
  • diminutive frame
  • diminutive figure
  • diminutive size
Synonyms
  • tiny

    more everyday and conversational

  • small

    broader and less emphatic about unusually small size

  • miniature

    often suggests a reduced copy of something larger

Antonyms
  • large

    general opposite in size

  • full-size

    used when something is compared with a smaller version

Grammar Patterns

diminutive + noun

be + diminutive

Usage Note

More formal than 'small' or 'tiny'. It often appears in descriptive writing about a person's build or an object's physical scale.

2. describing a word form that marks smallness and may also add a warm or dismissiv

2.adjectiveC2
Definition

describing a word form that marks smallness and may also add a warm or dismissive tone

Example

In Spanish, -ito often creates a diminutive form with a warm tone.

diminutive form in grammar discussion

The teacher said the diminutive ending made the request sound kinder.

diminutive ending affecting tone

Common collocations
  • diminutive form
  • diminutive ending
  • diminutive suffix

Grammar Patterns

diminutive + form

diminutive + suffix

diminutive + name

Usage Note

Usually used in discussions of names, suffixes, and grammar. It can point either to affection or to a belittling effect, depending on context.

diminutive — noun

IPA/dɪˈmɪn.jə.tɪv/
KK[dɪmˈɪnjətɪv]IPA/dɪˈmɪn.jə.t̬ɪv/

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

Diminutive is a formal word for something noticeably small, especially a person's build or an object's scale. Tiny is the everyday choice and sounds more natural in casual speech: 'a tiny kitchen' or 'a tiny insect'. Small is broader and weaker, because it only says the size is below average. Petite is mostly used for women or body shape and often sounds approving. Miniature usually means a smaller copy of something larger, such as a miniature train or house. A reporter might describe a boxer as diminutive, but a friend would more likely say he is small or tiny.

diminutive ↗tiny ↗small ↗petite ↗miniature ↗

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Diminutive came into English through French and Latin forms built on a Latin verb meaning 'make smaller' or 'lessen'. That history explains why the word is used both for physically small things and for word forms or names that signal smallness, affection, or slight contempt.