What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
petit
Example
She wore a petit dress that accentuated her figure. [petit: adjective]
Example
The café had a selection of petit pastries that were perfect for a light snack. [petit: noun]
small
Example
The room was too small to accommodate all the guests. [small: adjective]
Example
He only had a small amount of money left in his wallet. [small: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Small is more commonly used than petit in everyday language. Small is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts and situations, while petit is less common and is mostly used in specific contexts such as fashion, cuisine, or art.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between petit and small?
Petit is often associated with a formal or sophisticated tone, while small is a neutral word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
