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diminutive
[ dih-min-yuh-tiv ]
adjective
- small; little; tiny:
a diminutive building for a model-train layout.
- Grammar. pertaining to or productive of a form denoting smallness, familiarity, affection, or triviality, as the suffix -let, in droplet from drop.
noun
- a small thing or person.
- Grammar. a diminutive element or formation.
- Heraldry. a charge, as an ordinary, smaller in length or breadth than the usual.
diminutive
/ dɪˌmɪnjʊˈtaɪvəl; dɪˈmɪnjʊtɪv /
adjective
- very small; tiny
- grammar
- denoting an affix added to a word to convey the meaning small or unimportant or to express affection, as for example the suffix -ette in French
- denoting a word formed by the addition of a diminutive affix
noun
- grammar a diminutive word or affix
- a tiny person or thing
Derived Forms
- diˈminutiveness, noun
- diˈminutively, adverb
- diminutival, adjective
Other Words From
- di·minu·tive·ly adverb
- di·minu·tive·ness noun
Word History and Origins
Origin of diminutive1
Synonym Study
Example Sentences
For Saeed, seeing Theba play a cool, rich dad and hearing George use his natural accent, rather than being shoehorned into diminutive roles or changing their voices, was loaded with meaning.
Marine wildlife - including whales, penguins, seals and seabirds – all feed on these diminutive creatures.
Once the fire settles down, Dagit said her agency hopes to add water to a currently dry lagoon in Ventura County as needed and plant the diminutive gobies there.
At Ibrox against the Belgians, diminutive right winger Ross McCausland filled in on the right of defence after Leon King was forced off inside the first quarter with a head knock.
Unlike the diminutive gobies, steelhead can grow up to 2 feet.
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