diminutive

[dih-min-yuh-tiv]

adjective

1. small; little; tiny.

   a diminutive building for a model-train layout.

2. Grammar.,  pertaining to or productive of a form denoting smallness, familiarity, affection, or triviality, as the suffix -let, in droplet from drop.

noun

1. a small thing or person.

2. Grammar.,  a diminutive element or formation.

3. Heraldry.,  a charge, as an ordinary, smaller in length or breadth than the usual.

diminutive

/ dɪˌmɪnjʊˈtaɪvəl, dɪˈmɪnjʊtɪv /

adjective

1. very small; tiny

2. grammar

   1. 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

   2. denoting a word formed by the addition of a diminutive affix

noun

1. grammar a diminutive word or affix

2. a tiny person or thing

Other Word Forms

• diminutively adverb
• diminutiveness noun
• diminutival adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of diminutive¹

First recorded before 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin dīminūtīvus, equivalent to Latin dīminūt(us) “lessened” (for dēminūtus ) + -īvus adjective suffix; diminution, -ive

Synonym Study

See little.

Example Sentences

Fearing he’s a has-been, the diminutive, balding Hart slowly succumbs to self-loathing.

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They still took the best-of-seven series to a place where it’s out of the Brewers’ diminutive reach.

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Jimmy Carter’s appearance became more diminutive during his incumbency, but his teeth became bigger; Ronald Reagan’s face went from smiling to hollowed and ghostly.

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"The operation took about two hours," Dr Anand said, adding that special equipment had to be used because of the baby's delicate, diminutive stature.

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They also have developed a reputation for cuteness, borne of their beady eyes and diminutive size.

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Related Words

• little 
• mini 
• miniature 
• minuscule 
• minute 
• petite 
• small 
• tiny