diminutive

• Qui est très petit par la taille ou l'échelle. Se dit aussi d'un suffixe ou d'une forme exprimant la petitesse.

Describes something that is very small in size or scale.

1. Very small in sizeB2formal

   Extremely small or tiny.

   Très petit

   • The diminutive puppy fit in the palm of her hand.
   • He was a diminutive man, but his presence was commanding.
   • The garden was filled with diminutive flowers.

   Synonymeslittlemicroscopicminiatureminusculeminutepetitesmalltiny

   Antonymescolossalenormousgiantgiganticgreathugeimmenselargemassivevast

2. Expressing smallnessC1formal

   Used to describe a word or suffix that indicates smallness, affection, or familiarity.

   diminutif

   • In Spanish, '-ito' is a common diminutive suffix.
   • The word 'duckling' is a diminutive form of 'duck'.
   • She used a diminutive nickname for her younger brother.

• Nom désignant une forme de mot ou un suffixe qui exprime la petitesse, l'affection, l'atténuation ou l'insignifiance, utilisé notamment en linguistique ou comme procédé stylistique.

A noun referring to a word form or suffix that indicates smallness, familiarity, affection, or triviality, often used in linguistics or as a stylistic device.

1. Small person or thingC1formal

   A person or thing that is very small or tiny.

   personne ou chose minuscule

   • The diminutive of the word 'dog' is 'doggy'.
   • She was a diminutive in stature but mighty in spirit.
   • The artist specialized in painting diminutives of famous landmarks.

   Synonymeshalf-pintpeeweeruntshrimp

   Antonymescolossusgiant

2. Linguistic suffixC1formal

   A word form or suffix that indicates smallness, affection, or familiarity.

   Suffixe diminutif

   • In Spanish, '-ito' is a common diminutive suffix.
   • The word 'booklet' is a diminutive of 'book'.
   • Using a diminutive can express endearment, like 'sweetie' from 'sweet'.

   Synonymeshypocorism