diminutive

[ dih-min-yuh-tiv ]

adjective

1. small; little; tiny:

   a diminutive building for a model-train layout.

2. Grammar. pertaining to or productive of a form denoting smallness, familiarity, affection, or triviality, as the suffix -let, in droplet from drop.

noun

1. a small thing or person.
2. Grammar. a diminutive element or formation.
3. Heraldry. a charge, as an ordinary, smaller in length or breadth than the usual.

diminutive

/ dɪˌmɪnjʊˈtaɪvəl; dɪˈmɪnjʊtɪv /

adjective

1. very small; tiny
2. grammar
   1. denoting an affix added to a word to convey the meaning small or unimportant or to express affection, as for example the suffix -ette in French
   2. denoting a word formed by the addition of a diminutive affix

noun

1. grammar a diminutive word or affix
2. a tiny person or thing

Derived Forms

• diˈminutiveness, noun
• diˈminutively, adverb
• diminutival, adjective

Other Words From

• di·minu·tive·ly adverb
• di·minu·tive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of diminutive¹

First recorded before 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin dīminūtīvus, equivalent to Latin dīminūt(us) “lessened” (for dēminūtus ) + -īvus adjective suffix; diminution, -ive

Synonym Study

See little.

Example Sentences

Aside from fronting his namesake band Dio from 1982 through 2010, the diminutive singer was known for his piercing vocals and being among the first rockers to flash the famed devil horns hand gesture.

From Los Angeles Times

This year, biologists collected samples from nine sites in California, swabbing the diminutive animals’ noses and forearms, said Katrina Smith, statewide coordinator for small mammal conservation for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

From Los Angeles Times

California wildlife policymakers have opted to protect the diminutive Western burrowing owl as they consider listing the rapidly declining species as endangered or threatened.

From Los Angeles Times

Playing on the right wing in Zagreb, the diminutive attacker carried the fight to Croatia with his ability to dribble forward at pace.

From BBC

For those of you who did not grow up in Yiddish-infused households, let me briefly explain: the suffix -eleh is a diminutive term of affection.

From Salon

Related Words

• little
• mini
• miniature
• minuscule
• minute
• petite
• small
• tiny