diminutive

What does “diminutive” mean?

adjective.extremely or unusually small.

SAT Usage

the term often appears in contexts related to descriptions of people, animals, or objects, emphasizing their smallness in a way that conveys endearment or insignificance. It implies a sense of charm or vulnerability rather than mere physical size, distinguishing it from similar words like "petite," which typically refers to stature without the same connotations of cuteness or delicacy.

Common Confusions

Diminutive implies a charming or endearing smallness, while petite usually suggests a small size without the same connotations of cuteness or vulnerability.

Example Sentences

• Booklet, the diminutive of book, means ‘small book’.

• Despite his diminutive stature, the young boy commanded the attention of his peers with his confident and charismatic personality.