diminutive Definition
- 1extremely or unusually small
- 2a word or suffix that indicates smallness or endearment
Using diminutive: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "diminutive" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The diminutive puppy was so small it could fit in the palm of my hand.
Example
She was a diminutive woman, barely reaching five feet tall.
Example
The word 'kitten' is a diminutive of 'cat'.
diminutive Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with diminutive
a word or suffix that indicates smallness or endearment
Example
The diminutive form of 'dog' is 'doggy'.
diminutive size
an extremely small size
Example
The toy car was made in a diminutive size, perfect for small children.
a person who is unusually small in size
Example
Despite being a diminutive person, she had a big personality and commanded attention.
Origins of diminutive
from Latin 'diminutivus', meaning 'made smaller'
Summary: diminutive in Brief
The term 'diminutive' [dɪˈmɪnjʊtɪv] refers to something that is extremely small or a word/suffix that indicates smallness or endearment. It can be used to describe physical size, as in 'The diminutive puppy was so small it could fit in the palm of my hand,' or linguistic features, as in 'The word 'kitten' is a diminutive of 'cat'.'
