What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
diminutive
Example
The diminutive woman struggled to reach the top shelf. [diminutive: adjective]
Example
The word 'kitten' is a diminutive form of 'cat'. [diminutive: noun]
Example
Her name is Elizabeth, but she goes by the diminutive 'Liz'. [diminutive: noun]
miniature
Example
He collects miniature cars and has over a hundred in his collection. [miniature: adjective]
Example
The bonsai tree was a perfect miniature of a full-sized tree. [miniature: noun]
Example
The artist painted a beautiful landscape in miniature on a tiny canvas. [miniature: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Miniature is more commonly used than diminutive in everyday language. Miniature is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while diminutive is less common and has a narrower range of usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between diminutive and miniature?
Both diminutive and miniature are considered formal words and are not commonly used in informal speech.
