What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
smallish
Example
The smallish dog was still too big to fit through the hole in the fence. [smallish: adjective]
Example
She had a smallish collection of books, but they were all well-loved. [smallish: adjective]
petite
Example
She was a petite woman with delicate features. [petite: adjective]
Example
The boutique specialized in petite sizes for women under 5'4''. [petite: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Smallish is a more common word than petite in everyday language, as it can be used to describe a wider range of objects and sizes. Petite is more commonly used in the fashion industry to describe clothing sizes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between smallish and petite?
Petite is considered a more formal word than smallish, as it is often used in the fashion industry and has a more elegant connotation. Smallish is more casual and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
