What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
petite
Example
She always shops in the petite section for her clothes. [petite: adjective]
Example
Despite her petite stature, she is a fierce competitor on the basketball court. [petite: noun]
small
Example
The small dog fit perfectly in her lap. [small: adjective]
Example
We only have a small amount of time to finish this project. [small: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Small is more commonly used than petite in everyday language due to its versatility and broad usage. Petite is more specific and often used in the fashion industry or when describing a person's physical attributes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between petite and small?
Petite is more formal and often used in the fashion industry, while small is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
