Diminutive: meaning, definitions and examples

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diminutive

[ dɪˈmɪn.jʊ.tɪv ]

^{Context #1}

in names

A word or name that is a shortened form or endearing version of a longer one.

Synonyms

nickname, pet name

Examples of usage

He was known by the diminutive of his first name.
I always use the diminutive form of my sister's name.

^{Context #2}

size

Extremely or unusually small.

Synonyms

miniature, tiny

Examples of usage

The room was furnished with a diminutive bed.
She was a diminutive figure, standing at only five feet tall.

Translations

Translations of the word "diminutive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 diminutivo

🇮🇳 सूचक

🇩🇪 Diminutiv

🇮🇩 kecil

🇺🇦 зменшувальний

🇵🇱 zdrobnienie

🇯🇵 縮小辞

🇫🇷 diminutif

🇪🇸 diminutivo

🇹🇷 küçültme

🇰🇷 축소형

🇸🇦 تصغيري

🇨🇿 zdrobnělina

🇸🇰 zdrobnenina

🇨🇳 小词

🇸🇮 manjšalnica

🇮🇸 smækkun

🇰🇿 кішірейту

🇬🇪 მცირე

🇦🇿 kiçiltmə

🇲🇽 diminutivo

Word origin

The word 'diminutive' comes from the Latin word 'diminutivus', which means 'to lessen'. It was first used in the English language in the 14th century. The concept of using diminutives in language has been present in various cultures throughout history, often as a way to show affection or familiarity. In English, diminutives are commonly used in names and to describe small sizes.