Word
smaller
Phoneticssmall·er, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsmɔɫɝ/
UK/smˈɔːlɐ/
Definition
adj. not as big as something else.
adj. the comparative degree of 'small', denoting a physical size or scale that is less than that of a reference object.
Examples
“This shirt is smaller than the one I bought yesterday.”
“The new apartment is much smaller than our old house, so we need to sell some furniture.”
“While the initial investment was smaller than anticipated, the long-term maintenance costs proved to be a significant burden on the company's annual budget.”
Examples
simple
“This shirt is smaller than the one I bought yesterday.”
contextual
“The new apartment is much smaller than our old house, so we need to sell some furniture.”
complex
“While the initial investment was smaller than anticipated, the long-term maintenance costs proved to be a significant burden on the company's annual budget.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “smaller” in context.
Pitfall
This phone is more smaller than my old one.
This phone is smaller than my old one.
Do not use 'more' with 'smaller' because the '-er' ending already means 'more'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 3
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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