adjective

diminutive

dih-MIHN-yuh-tihv

Diminutive (adjective) means Very small in size. Example: “A diminutive terrier trotted along beside its owner.”

adjective

Very small in size.

"A diminutive terrier trotted along beside its owner."

"The apartment was diminutive but cleverly designed."

noun

A shortened or altered form of a word that suggests smallness, youth, or affection, such as "kitty" from "cat".

""Billy" is a common diminutive of "William"."

How to use diminutive

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething small, or a shortened, affectionate version of a word or name.

Common pairings

diminutive size diminutive form diminutive figure

Word forms

more diminutive comparative, diminutives plural, most diminutive superlative

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A _____ terrier trotted along beside its owner.

Etymology

From Old French "diminutif", from Latin "dīminūtīvus", based on the past participle of "dīminuere", "to lessen".

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for diminutive

five give dive live olive drive alive strive derive active arrive native

See all rhymes for diminutive →

Frequently asked questions

What does “diminutive” mean?

The word “diminutive” means very small in size. In plain terms, something small, or a shortened, affectionate version of a word or name.

How do you pronounce “diminutive”?

“Diminutive” is pronounced dih-MIHN-yuh-tihv (/dɪˈmɪn.jə.tɪv/ in IPA).

How do you use “diminutive” in a sentence?

Here is “diminutive” used in a sentence: “A diminutive terrier trotted along beside its owner.”

What part of speech is “diminutive”?

Depending on how it is used, “diminutive” can be an adjective and a noun.

Where does the word “diminutive” come from?

The word “diminutive” comes from Latin. From Old French "diminutif", from Latin "dīminūtīvus", based on the past participle of "dīminuere", "to lessen".

How many meanings does “diminutive” have?

“Diminutive” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: very small in size.