Diminutive Meaning in English

word

US

dɪˈmɪnjətɪv

di-MIN-yuh-tiv

UK

dɪmˈɪnjuːtˌɪv

di-MIN-yoo-tiv

Definition

Very small or tiny; in language, a word or suffix showing smallness or affection, like 'duckling' or 'little.'

Usage & Nuances

Formal or academic, especially in linguistics. Used to describe both physical smallness and words made to express smallness or affection. Common as 'diminutive form.' Sometimes used for people with a small figure.

• Spanish: diminutivo
• Portuguese (BR): diminutivo
• Portuguese (PT): diminutivo
• Chinese (Simplified): 小型的 - 微小的 - 指小词（语言学）
• Chinese (Traditional): 小型的 - 微小的 - 指小詞（語言學）
• Hindi: सूचक (छोटे का) - सूक्ष्म
• Arabic: تصغيري - صغير
• Bengali: ক্ষুদ্র - ছোট - ক্ষুদ্ররূপ (ভাষাগত)
• Russian: уменьшительный - крошечный
• Japanese: 小さい - 縮小辞（言語学）
• Vietnamese: nhỏ bé - từ giảm nhẹ (ngôn ngữ học)
• Korean: 아주 작은 - 축소형
• Turkish: küçük - küçültme eki (dilbilim)
• Urdu: چھوٹا - تصغیری (زبان میں)
• Indonesian: kecil - bentuk kecil (linguistik)

Example Sentences

The kitten was so diminutive it could fit in my hand.

basic

Spanish often uses the diminutive '-ito' to make words sound cute.

basic

Her diminutive stature made her look much younger than her age.

basic

He's got this diminutive nickname his friends call him by.

natural

Can you give me an example of a diminutive in Russian?

natural

That car is so diminutive, it's perfect for city driving.

natural