What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
petit
Example
The restaurant served a delicious petit four for dessert. [petit: adjective]
Example
She was a petit woman with a charming personality. [petit: noun]
tiny
Example
The baby's tiny fingers wrapped around mine. [tiny: adjective]
Example
I found a tiny spider crawling on my desk. [tiny: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tiny is more commonly used than petit in everyday language. Tiny is a simple and versatile word that can be used in many different contexts, while petit is more specific and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between petit and tiny?
Petit is more formal than tiny, which is more casual and informal. Petit is often used in specific contexts such as fashion or cuisine, while tiny can be used in a wide range of contexts from everyday conversation to academic writing.