Diminutiveness: meaning, definitions and examples
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diminutiveness
[dɪˌmɪnyuˈtɪvnəs ]
Definition
in linguistics
The quality of being diminutive; smallness in size or stature.
Synonyms
daintiness, petiteness, smallness, tininess.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
diminutiveness |
Used to describe something that is notably small in size, often in a general sense. This word is more formal and may be used in academic or descriptive writing.
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smallness |
A very general term that can apply to anything of small size. It's neutral and versatile, without any special connotations of beauty or grace.
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petiteness |
Typically used to describe small size in a positive, often affectionate manner. Commonly applied to people, especially women, to denote a small and attractive stature.
|
tininess |
Emphasizes extremely small size, often used in a more casual or informal manner. Can also have a slightly cute or endearing tone.
|
daintiness |
Conveys a sense of delicate beauty or gracefulness, usually referring to something small and pretty. Often used to describe people, objects, or behaviors.
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Examples of usage
- The diminutiveness of the toy car made it cute and appealing.
- Her diminutiveness made her seem fragile and delicate.
- The diminutiveness of the puppy made everyone want to cuddle it.
- The room appeared even smaller due to the diminutiveness of the furniture.
- She was often underestimated due to her diminutiveness.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- Derived from the Latin word 'diminutivus', which means 'causing to lessen'.
- The word relates closely to 'diminish', which means to make smaller.
- Often used in linguistics to describe forms of words that indicate small size, like 'kitty' for cat.
Literature
- In literature, authors often use diminutiveness to create endearing characters, such as small creatures or young protagonists.
- The use of diminutive forms adds emotional depth, making characters seem more innocent or vulnerable.
- Writers may employ diminutiveness in tone and style to evoke a sense of nostalgia or whimsy.
Psychology
- Research shows that small objects can evoke feelings of warmth and affection, making people more likely to engage positively.
- The perception of diminutive size can influence how we view power dynamics, often associating smallness with innocence or helplessness.
- Diminutiveness in language can foster friendliness and approachability in communication.
Pop Culture
- In animation and children’s media, characters with diminutive sizes are often depicted as humorous or clever, such as the Minions.
- The cute factor of small animals, showcased in social media and viral videos, leverages the concept of diminutiveness to create shareable content.
- The popularity of 'mini' versions of well-known brands speaks to societal love for anything that appears small and adorable.
Art
- Artists often create miniature sculptures or paintings to showcase intricate details that captivate viewers' attention.
- The contrast between large and small objects in artworks can create powerful statements about scale and perception.
- In photography, focusing on diminutive subjects can create a sense of intimacy and personal connection with the viewer.
Translations
Translations of the word "diminutiveness" in other languages:
🇵🇹 diminutividade
🇮🇳 सूक्ष्मता
🇩🇪 Kleinheit
🇮🇩 kekecilan
🇺🇦 мініатюрність
🇵🇱 małość
🇯🇵 小ささ (ちいささ)
🇫🇷 petitesse
🇪🇸 diminutividad
🇹🇷 küçüklük
🇰🇷 작음
🇸🇦 صغر
🇨🇿 malost
🇸🇰 malosť
🇨🇳 微小性 (wēi xiǎo xìng)
🇸🇮 majhnost
🇮🇸 smæð
🇰🇿 кішкентайлық
🇬🇪 წვრილფეხა
🇦🇿 balacalığı
🇲🇽 diminutividad