Diminutive means very small in size, or smaller than usual. It can also describe something that seems tiny, delicate, or cute.
People often use diminutive in everyday writing or speech to describe a person, object, or animal that is small. It can sound formal, but it is also used to give a gentle or affectionate feeling, depending on the context.
Meaning & Usage
You might hear diminutive used for a small person, a tiny house, or a little animal. It can be neutral, but sometimes it suggests something is so small that it looks delicate or charming.
Examples
For example: “She had a diminutive frame,” or “The dog was diminutive but full of energy.” In both cases, the word shows that something is small in size.
Is “diminutive” a positive word?
It can be. Sometimes it simply means “small,” and other times it sounds warm or affectionate. But in some cases, it may also suggest something is too small to be taken seriously.
Can “diminutive” describe people?
Yes. It is often used to describe a person who is short or small in build, especially in formal writing.
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