ENGLISH
REFERENCE

diminutive

adj.
C1 Advanced US //dɪˈmɪnjətɪv// UK //dɪmˈɪnjuːtˌɪv// diminu·tive Archaic

adj. extremely small or much smaller than usual. You use this to describe people or things that look tiny.

adj. extremely or unusually small. Often used to describe physical stature or objects that are notably smaller than their standard counterparts.


SIMPLE

The diminutive actor was much shorter than his co-stars.

CONTEXTUAL

Despite her diminutive size, she possessed a powerful voice that could fill the entire concert hall.

COMPLEX

The explorer discovered a diminutive species of owl that had remained hidden in the dense canopy due to its tiny proportions and nocturnal habits.

Synonyms
Origin

Inherited from Middle English diminutif, derived from Old French diminutif, derived from Latin dīminutīv|us, ~a, ~um (adjective), from dīminūt|us, ~a, ~um (participle), perfect passive participle of dīmin|uō, ~uere, ~uī, ~ūtum (verb). First attested in 1398.

Usage

Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun; can also refer to a word form that expresses smallness or affection.

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