Meaning
Diminutive means extremely small or tiny in size. It can also refer to a word form that expresses smallness, affection, or familiarity (e.g., doggy is a diminutive form of dog).
Part of speech:
- Adjective — describing something very small.
- Noun — a word or suffix that indicates smallness or endearment.
Grammar and Usage
As an adjective:
-
Used before a noun to describe something small.
- a diminutive figure, a diminutive house
As a noun:
-
Refers to a word form that conveys smallness or affection.
- “Kitty” is a diminutive of “cat.”
Typical structures:
- be diminutive in size/appearance
- a diminutive form of + noun
Common Phrases
- diminutive figure – a person who is very small in stature
- diminutive name – a shortened or affectionate version of a name
- linguistic diminutive – a word showing affection or smallness
Collocations
- diminutive person
- diminutive creature
- diminutive form
- diminutive suffix
- diminutive name
Examples
- She was a diminutive woman, barely five feet tall.
- The diminutive puppy fit easily in the palm of his hand.
- “Maggie” is a diminutive of “Margaret.”
- Despite his diminutive size, he had a commanding presence.
- The artist painted a diminutive version of the original masterpiece.
- The linguist explained how diminutives are formed in different languages.
- Her diminutive frame made her look delicate but strong.
- “Annie” and “Tommy” are affectionate diminutives used for children.
Synonyms or Related
- small
- tiny
- miniature
- petite
- little
- compact
Antonym
- large
- enormous
- gigantic
- massive