First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1diminutive
noun di·min·u·tive \də-ˈmi-nyə-tiv\
: a word or suffix that indicates that something is small
: an informal form of a name
Full Definition of DIMINUTIVE
1
: a diminutive word, affix, or name
2
: a diminutive individual
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Origin of DIMINUTIVE
Middle English diminutif, from Medieval Latin diminutivum, alteration of Late Latin deminutivum, from neuter of deminutivus, adjective, from deminutus, past participle of deminuere
Related to DIMINUTIVE
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
2diminutive
adjective
: very small
linguistics : indicating small size
Full Definition of DIMINUTIVE
1
: indicating small size and sometimes the state or quality of being familiarly known, lovable, pitiable, or contemptible —used of affixes (as -ette, -kin, -ling) and of words formed with them (as kitchenette, manikin, duckling), of clipped forms (as Jim), and of altered forms (as Peggy) — compare augmentative
2
: exceptionally or notably small : tiny <a diminutive performer>
— di·min·u·tive·ly adverb
— di·min·u·tive·ness noun
See diminutive defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DIMINUTIVE
14th century
Related to DIMINUTIVE
- Synonyms
- bantam, small, dinky, dwarfish, fine, half-pint, Lilliputian, little, pint-size (or pint-sized), pocket, pocket-size (also pocket-sized), puny, pygmy, shrimpy, slight, smallish, subnormal, toylike, undersized (also undersize)
Synonym Discussion of DIMINUTIVE
small, little, diminutive, minute, tiny, miniature mean noticeably below average in size. small and little are often interchangeable, but small applies more to relative size determined by capacity, value, number <a relatively small backyard>. little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity <your pathetic little smile>. diminutive implies abnormal smallness <diminutive bonsai plants>. minute implies extreme smallness <a minute amount of caffeine in the soda>. tiny is an informal equivalent to minute <tiny cracks formed in the painting>. miniature applies to an exactly proportioned reproduction on a very small scale <a dollhouse with miniature furnishings>.
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
DIMINUTIVE Defined for Kids
diminutive
adjective di·min·u·tive \də-ˈmin-yə-tiv\
Definition of DIMINUTIVE for Kids
: very small
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