# diminutive

/dɪˈmɪnjətɪv/ (US) · /dɪmˈɪnjuːtˌɪv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/diminutive
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. very small

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

extremely small in size.

For teachers: extremely or unusually small in physical stature or scale.

- The diminutive actress looked tiny standing next to her tall co-star.
- Despite her diminutive stature, she possessed a commanding presence that immediately silenced the crowded boardroom.

### 2. grammar: expressing smallness

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

describing a word form that shows something is small, young, or liked.

For teachers: pertaining to or creating a word form that denotes smallness, youth, or affection.

- The word 'booklet' uses a diminutive suffix to show it is a small book.
- The suffix '-kin' was once a common diminutive marker in Middle English, though it survives today primarily in surnames.

Usage: In linguistics, it describes suffixes like '-let' or '-ling'.

### 3. a small word form

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a word or name that has been changed to mean 'little' or to show you like someone.

For teachers: a word form or suffix expressing smallness, youth, unimportance, or endearment.

- 'Kitty' is a common diminutive for a cat.
- Many languages use diminutives not just to indicate size, but to convey a sense of intimacy or social closeness between speakers.

Teaching tip: Commonly used when discussing nicknames like 'Johnny' for 'John' or 'doggy' for 'dog'.

## Examples

- The diminutive actor was much shorter than his co-stars.
- Despite her diminutive size, she possessed a powerful voice that could fill the entire concert hall.
- The explorer discovered a diminutive species of owl that had remained hidden in the dense canopy due to its tiny proportions and nocturnal habits.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.