diminutive
pronunciation
How to pronounce diminutive in British English:
UK [dɪˈmɪnjətɪv]
How to pronounce diminutive in American English:
US [dɪˈmɪnjətɪv]
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- Noun:
- a word that is formed with a suffix (such as -let or -kin) to indicate smallness
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- Adjective:
- very small
Word Origin
- diminutive (adj.)
- in grammar, late 14c. (also as a noun, "derivative word denoting a small or inferior example of what is meant by the word it is derived from"), from Old French diminutif (14c.), from Latin diminutivus, earlier deminutivus, from past participle stem of deminuere (see diminish).
Example
- 1. They offer an unusually secure grip for their diminutive size .
- 2. This dress is a morsel too diminutive for me .
- 3. Despite its diminutive size , this black hole -- called xte j1650-500 -- is still an engine of destruction .
- 4. Its diminutive size , which makes it so handy for stashing in a coat pocket , also makes it unlikely to satisfy more than one antsy kid on a long car ride .
- 5. In its reduced form the group still employs about 68000 people , making this diminutive and soft-spoken daughter of portuguese immigrants one of the world 's most powerful female executives .