Dwarf: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ง
dwarf
[dwษหrf ]
Definitions
fantasy character
A dwarf is a mythical creature resembling a tiny old man. In folklore and fantasy literature, dwarves are often depicted as skilled blacksmiths, miners, and warriors. They are known for their short stature and long beards.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dwarf |
Commonly used to describe a mythical, short human-like creature in fantasy literature and games. Also used medically to describe a person with dwarfism, though this term can be sensitive.
|
| gnome |
Typically used in fantasy literature to describe a small, bearded creature that is earthy and inventive. In some cultures, refers to small garden statues.
|
| elf |
Usually refers to a magical, often graceful and wise creature in fantasy settings with pointed ears and long life spans.
|
| hobbit |
Specifically refers to a race of small, homely creatures from J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth. They are known for their peaceful lives and love of comfort.
|
Examples of usage
- The dwarves in 'The Lord of the Rings' are famous for their mining skills.
- Snow White befriends seven dwarfs in the classic fairy tale.
astronomy
In astronomy, a dwarf is a small celestial body that orbits a larger one. Examples of dwarf objects include dwarf planets like Pluto and dwarf stars like Proxima Centauri.
Synonyms
minor planet, substar.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dwarf |
Typically used to refer to a small-sized human or fantasy creature in literature, folklore, or mythology. Also used to describe a star that is much smaller and less luminous than the sun.
|
Examples of usage
- Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006.
- Proxima Centauri is a red dwarf star in the Alpha Centauri system.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from Old English 'dweorg' which referred to a small, supernatural creature from Germanic mythology.
- In different languages, the term for dwarf varies: in Latin, it's 'nanus'; in Greek, 'nanos,' both indicating smallness.
Mythology
- In Norse mythology, dwarves were master craftsmen known for making powerful items like Thor's hammer and Odin's ring.
- Many cultures feature dwarves or similar beings, like the 'Nibelungs' in Germanic tales and the 'Kobolds' in German folklore.
Pop Culture
- Dwarfs are popular characters in fantasy literature, most famously represented in J.R.R. Tolkienโs Middle-earth saga, particularly characters like Gimli.
- Disneyโs animated film 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' introduced cheerful and distinct personalities for each dwarf, making them beloved characters.
Cultural Representation
- In modern times, the representation of dwarfs in media has evolved, focusing more on individual personality rather than stereotypes.
- The Little People of America organization promotes public awareness and understanding of dwarfism and advocates for equality.
Science
- Dwarfism in human biology can be caused by various genetic conditions, notably Achondroplasia, affecting growth plate development.
- The average height for adults with dwarfism is about 4 feet tall, but this can vary widely depending on the specific condition.
Translations
Translations of the word "dwarf" in other languages:
๐ต๐น anรฃo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฌเฅเคจเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Zwerg
๐ฎ๐ฉ kurcaci
๐บ๐ฆ ะบะฐัะปะธะบ
๐ต๐ฑ krasnoludek
๐ฏ๐ต ๅฐไบบ (ใใณใจ, kobito)
๐ซ๐ท nain
๐ช๐ธ enano
๐น๐ท cรผce
๐ฐ๐ท ๋์์ด (nanjaengi)
๐ธ๐ฆ ูุฒู (qazm)
๐จ๐ฟ trpaslรญk
๐ธ๐ฐ trpaslรญk
๐จ๐ณ ็ฎไบบ (วirรฉn)
๐ธ๐ฎ pritlikavec
๐ฎ๐ธ dvergur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะตัะณะตะถะตะนะปั
๐ฌ๐ช แฏแฃแฏแ (jjuja)
๐ฆ๐ฟ cษng
๐ฒ๐ฝ enano
Word Frequency Rank
Ranked #10,186, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.
- ...
- 10183 ultraviolet
- 10184 greet
- 10185 deliberation
- 10186 dwarf
- 10187 louder
- 10188 brandy
- 10189 pervasive
- ...