Miniature Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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miniature
[ˈmɪn.i.ə.tʃər ]
Definitions
art
A very small portrait, painting, or sculpture, usually no larger than a few inches.
Synonyms
mini, small-scale, tiny.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| miniature |
When describing a smaller version of something that is typically larger, often with careful craftsmanship or detail.
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| small-scale |
Used when referring to a model or representation that is smaller in size compared to the original, often in scientific, architectural, or technical contexts.
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| tiny |
Describes something very small in size, often with an emphasis on how diminutive or delicate it is.
|
| mini |
Informally, often used to describe something that is smaller than usual, especially in terms of products or versions of things.
|
Examples of usage
- She loved collecting miniature paintings of famous landmarks.
- The artist specialized in creating miniature sculptures of animals.
model making
A small-scale representation of something, such as a building or vehicle.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| miniature |
When referring to something that is very small or a smaller version of something, often for objects like art, figurines, or objects created with great detail for display or collection.
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| scale model |
When talking about a detailed, smaller version of something, usually used in the context of hobby building, architecture, or demonstrating a structure or system's design.
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| replica |
When referring to an exact copy or reproduction of something, often used for museum exhibits, historical artifacts, or objects of significant value.
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| mini |
When describing something that is small in a casual or colloquial manner, often used in everyday conversation. It can also refer to small versions of common items like cars (Mini Cooper) or skirts (mini skirts).
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Examples of usage
- He spent hours building a miniature model of the Eiffel Tower.
- The museum had a collection of miniature airplanes on display.
size
Of a much smaller size than normal.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| miniature |
Use it for small replicas or models of larger objects. It often indicates detailed or precise crafting.
|
| small |
A general term to describe something that is not large. It is the most neutral and widely used word among the given options.
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| tiny |
Implies something extremely small and often evokes a sense of endearment or delicacy. It is suitable for describing objects that are notably smaller than usual.
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| mini |
Commonly used as a prefix to imply something smaller than usual. It is often seen in informal situations or with objects like skirts, cars, or versions of things.
|
Examples of usage
- She had a miniature version of the Taj Mahal on her desk.
- The boutique sold miniature versions of designer handbags.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Art
- Miniature paintings were popular in the Renaissance, where artists created intricate small portraits.
- Today, miniature art includes everything from detailed dollhouse scenes to tiny sculptures, attracting collectors.
Science
- In biology, researchers study miniature organisms, such as bacteria or small insects, to understand ecosystems.
- Nanotechnology involves manipulating materials on a tiny scale, opening up new possibilities in medicine and electronics.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, miniatures are created as symbols of good luck, often seen in home decor.
- Collecting miniature items, such as mini figurines or cars, has become a popular hobby worldwide.
Toys and Games
- Miniature figures are widely used in tabletop games to represent different characters and items.
- Toy manufacturers create detailed miniature versions of real-life vehicles, animals, and people, enchanting children and collectors alike.
Origin of 'miniature'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'miniatura', which means 'small painting'.
- Originally, 'miniature' referred to artworks that were small and delicate, often seen in illuminated manuscripts.
The word 'miniature' originated from the Latin word 'miniare', which means 'to color with red lead'. In the 16th century, 'miniature' referred to a small painting used as an illustration in a book. Over time, the term expanded to include small-scale models and objects. Today, 'miniature' is commonly used to describe anything that is much smaller than the usual size.
See also: minion.
Word Frequency Rank
Position #8,279 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.
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