English Reference
adjective · noun · adverb

small

adj. · n. · adv.
US /ˈsmɔɫ/ UK /smˈɔːl/ small UK spelling smalling

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    adj.not large in size, amount, or number.

    adj.of limited physical extent, volume, or quantity; the standard antonym for 'large' or 'big'.

    Simple

    We live in a small apartment in the center of the city.

    In context

    The startup began with a small team of engineers working out of a shared garage before securing their first round of venture capital.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary

    adj.young, like a child.

    adj.referring to a person in an early stage of life; often used to describe children or younger siblings.

    Simple

    I remember visiting my grandmother when I was a small boy.

    In context

    The teacher noticed that the small children in the back row were struggling to see the whiteboard during the demonstration.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    adj.not important or not serious.

    adj.insignificant in value, importance, or impact.

    Simple

    Don't worry about the small details; we need to finish the main project first.

    In context

    The manager dismissed the error as a small oversight, though the auditors later argued it indicated a systemic failure in reporting.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.written in the lower form of a letter, not a capital letter.

    adj.referring to lowercase characters in a script or typeface.

    Simple

    You need to write your password using both capital and small letters.

    In context

    The manuscript was written entirely in small letters, which was unusual for a formal document of that era.

    capitaluppercase
  5. 05 A2 Elementary

    n.a size of clothing for people who are not big.

    n.a standard commercial size for manufactured goods, typically smaller than 'medium'.

    Simple

    This shirt is a small, but I think I need a medium.

    In context

    The retailer reported that they had sold out of the small and extra-small sizes within hours of the product launch.

  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adv.into very little pieces.

    adv.into small fragments or particles.

    Simple

    You should chop the onions small so they cook quickly.

    In context

    The recipe requires the herbs to be cut small to ensure the flavor is distributed evenly throughout the sauce.

Usage small number · proponent small · small amount

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated