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

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.

From Salon

"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.

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

The diminutive Duckett dovetailed well with the taller Smith, as West Indies' attack struggled to find the right length against England's innovative strokeplay.

From BBC

She was soon joined by another diminutive star: pop singer Sabrina Carpenter, who compared notes with her, asking, “When you read short stories, do they feel like novels?”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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