French · suffix
-ette
small; a smaller or related version
Forms
- -ette
Origin
Old French -ete, the feminine counterpart of diminutive -et; the suffix’s deeper origin is uncertain.
Note
Smallness can shade into affection, imitation, or dismissal depending on context.
Words sharing this root
anisetteA sweet liqueur flavored with anise.bacheloretteA woman who is not married.barretteA small clip used to hold hair in place.briquetteA small compressed block of fuel or other material.brunetteHaving dark brown hair, or a girl or woman with such hair.bulletA small projectile discharged from a gun.cassetteA removable case that holds material for use in a device, especially magnetic recording tape.cigaretteA small roll of cut tobacco wrapped in paper for smoking.clarinetA single-reed woodwind instrument with a cylindrical bore.coquetteA woman who playfully seeks romantic attention.epauletAn ornamental shoulder piece on a uniform or garment.facetA distinct flat surface of a solid object.linnetA small brownish finch native to Europe and nearby regions.lorgnetteEyeglasses held by a handle rather than worn.musketAn old-fashioned long gun loaded through the end of its barrel.pipetteA slender tube for measuring or transferring liquid, or to use such a tube.rosetteA design arranged like petals around a center.suffragetteA woman who campaigned for women's right to vote, especially in the early twentieth century.toiletA fixture for disposing of bodily waste.toiletCare of a person's cleanliness and appearance.vinaigretteA salad dressing made with oil, vinegar, and seasonings.