adjective / noun

diminutive

dih-MIN-yuh-tiv/dɪˈmɪnjətɪv/

Unusually small.

A diminutive ceramic teacup rests inside a much larger teacup.

Tiny ceramic teacup rests inside a much larger ordinary teacup, scale contrast unmistakable.

Etymology

diLatincompletely

+minutLatinmake small

+iveLatinadjective-forming ending

The “making small” root first served a grammatical meaning in English: expressing something small or little. The adjective then extended from words indicating smallness to things that are themselves very small.

In context

TED9:31

Conversely, in sports where diminutive stature is an advantage, the small athletes got smaller.

Are athletes really getting faster, better, stronger? | David Epstein

More examples

The diminutive singer fills the theater with her powerful voice.
Despite its diminutive size, the apartment has plenty of storage.
Annie is an affectionate diminutive of Anne.

Forms

diminutive · diminutives

diminish verb — To make or become smaller or less.

Similar words

tiny: Means extremely small and is more common in everyday speech.
miniature: Usually describes a small version of something normally larger.