tiny

The word “tiny” means extremely small in size. In plain terms, very small — smaller than "small" would suggest.

“Tiny” is pronounced TEYE-nee (/ˈtaɪni/ in IPA).

Here is “tiny” used in a sentence: “A tiny spider crawled across the windowsill.”

The opposite of “tiny” — its antonyms — is huge.

“Tiny” is an adjective.

The word “tiny” comes from Middle English. From Middle English tine/tyne, "very small," possibly related to the small pointed prong of a fork (a "tine").

“Tiny” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

Tiny is a stronger, more extreme version of small. Something small is simply below average in size, while something tiny is very or extremely small. A mouse is small; a flea is tiny. You can also reach for 'tiny' when you want emphasis and 'small' does not feel dramatic enough.

The opposite of tiny is very large. Words like huge, enormous, gigantic, massive, and immense all describe something at the far larger end of the scale. Just as tiny intensifies 'small,' these words intensify 'big,' expressing a size well beyond ordinary or average.

Everyday tiny things include an ant, a grain of sand, a pinhead, a poppy seed, or a snowflake. The word suits anything so small it is hard to see clearly or pick up easily. It is also used figuratively, as in a tiny chance or a tiny amount of money.