diminutive
/dɪˈmɪnjətɪv/
adjective
- Extremely small in size; tiny.
- The kitten was so diminutive it fit in the palm of her hand.
- Despite its diminutive size, the hummingbird is a fierce defender of its territory.
- He lived in a diminutive cottage at the edge of the forest.
noun
- A word or suffix that indicates smallness, affection, or familiarity (e.g., 'doggy' from 'dog', 'booklet' from 'book').
- The word 'duckling' contains the diminutive '-ling'.
- In Spanish, the suffix '-ito' is a common diminutive meaning 'little'.
- She used the diminutive 'sweetie' to show affection.
- A very small person or thing.
- The actor was a diminutive on stage, but his voice filled the theater.
- The puppy was the diminutive of the litter, always last at the food bowl.
- Among the giant redwoods, the wildflower seemed a mere diminutive.