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diminutiveextremely or unusually small

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: extremely or unusually small

Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˈmɪnjətɪv/

Example Sentences

  • The diminutive robot vacuum got stuck under the couch because it was too small to push the cushions aside.
  • Despite her diminutive appearance, she had the loudest voice in the entire choir.
  • The diminutive superhero's power was inversely proportional to his size.

diminutive

ADJECTIVE

[/dɪˈmɪnjətɪv/]

extremely or unusually small

The diminutive puppy tries to climb onto the giant sofa but keeps sliding down.
💡 Concept

The diminutive puppy tries to climb onto the giant sofa but keeps sliding down.

A diminutive fairy reads primitive art with sensitive touch.
🎵 Rhyme

A diminutive fairy reads primitive art with sensitive touch.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/dɪˈmɪnjətɪv/
🇬🇧 UK/dɪˈmɪnjʊtɪv/

🌳Etymology

Rootdiminu
Suffix--tive

Origin

From Latin 'diminutivus', derived from 'diminuere' meaning 'to lessen or reduce'. The word entered English through Old French and Latin roots, carrying the sense of making something smaller or of lesser importance.

Breakdown

diminut- (from Latin diminuere, to lessen) + -ive (suffix forming adjectives) = diminutive

🎵Rhyme

primitivesensitivepositive
primitive
sensitive
positive

🔗Collocations

diminutive size
diminutive stature
diminutive form
diminutive suffix
diminutive figure
diminutive nickname

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

The diminutive robot vacuum got stuck under the couch because it was too small to push the cushions aside.

Despite her diminutive appearance, she had the loudest voice in the entire choir.

😄 Fun example

The diminutive superhero's power was inversely proportional to his size.

In English, 'doggy' is a diminutive form of 'dog'.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

tinypetiteminiaturesmalllittle

Antonyms

giganticenormousmassive

Related

minimizereductionminiaturepetite

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