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Lilliputian: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿงšโ€โ™‚๏ธ
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lilliputian

 

[ หŒlษชlษชหˆpjuหสƒษ™n ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

size comparison

Lilliputian refers to something that is extremely small or miniature in size. The term derives from Lilliput, a fictional island described in Jonathan Swift's 1726 novel 'Gulliver's Travels', where the inhabitants are tiny people. Lilliputian can also imply a sense of triviality or insignificance, often used in contrast to vast or grand concepts. In modern usage, it might describe something that is diminutive or lacking in dimensions compared to typical standards.

Synonyms

diminutive, miniature, petite, small, tiny

Examples of usage

  • The lilliputian furniture made the room feel spacious.
  • His lilliputian stature did not deter him from achieving great things.
  • The author's lilliputian illustrations captivated the readers.
Context #2 | Noun

fictional character

In a literary context, a Lilliputian refers to a member of the small people from Jonathan Swift's 'Gulliver's Travels'. They are characterized by their height, which is only six inches (about 15 centimeters). The Lilliputians represent a satire of human behavior and societal norms, and their interactions with Gulliver highlight themes of power, politics, and perspective. The name Lilliputian has since been adopted to describe anything relating to the characteristics of Lilliput or to small, insignificant entities.

Synonyms

dwarf, little person, tiny person

Examples of usage

  • The Lilliputians were fascinated by Gulliver's height.
  • Her doll collection included several Lilliputians.
  • Lilliputian characters often symbolize overlooked perspectives.

Translations

Translations of the word "lilliputian" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น liliputiano

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฒเคฟเคฒเคฟเคชเฅเคŸเคฟเคฏเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Lilliputaner

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ liliput

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะปั–ะปั–ะฟัƒั‚

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ liliput

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒชใƒชใƒ‘ใƒƒใƒˆใฎ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท liliputien

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ liliputiense

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท liliput

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฆด๋ฆฌํ’‹

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู„ูŠู„ูŠุจูˆุชูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ liliput

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ liliput

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฐไบบๅ›ฝ็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ liliput

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ liliput

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะปะธะปะธะฟัƒั‚

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒšแƒ˜แƒšแƒ˜แƒžแƒฃแƒขแƒฃแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ liliput

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ liliputiense

Etymology

The term 'Lilliputian' originates from the fictional land of Lilliput in Jonathan Swift's satirical novel 'Gulliver's Travels', published in 1726. In the narrative, Lilliput is inhabited by tiny people who are significantly smaller than the protagonist, Lemuel Gulliver. The characterization of the Lilliputians as meticulous, proud, and often embroiled in trivial disputes serves as a critique of contemporary British politics and human nature. The word has since evolved, gaining a broader usage in the English language to describe anything that is minuscule or trivial. The term became part of the English lexicon in the late 18th century and has been utilized in various contexts, from science to everyday conversation. Its enduring presence reflects humanity's fascination with size and perspective, often drawing on the contrast between the grand and the minuscule.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,540, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.