Miniatures: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ
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miniatures

 

[หˆmษชnษชษ™tสƒษ™rz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

art

Small, detailed, and finely executed paintings, typically depicting scenes from everyday life or historical events.

Synonyms

pocket-sized, small-scale, tiny.

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Word Description / Examples
miniatures

This word can also refer specifically to small portraits or pictures, particularly those painted or crafted in fine detail.

  • The gallery featured beautiful miniatures of famous historical figures.
  • She gifted him a miniature portrait of his favorite pet.
small-scale

Small-scale typically describes projects, models, or operations that are limited in size or scope. It is often used in formal contexts, such as business or engineering.

  • They launched a small-scale pilot program to test the new system.
  • The architect created a small-scale model of the building.
tiny

Tiny is a more casual, general term to describe something very small. It is often used in everyday speech and can sometimes have a connotation of being cute or delicate.

  • The puppy was so tiny it could fit in the palm of your hand.
  • She lived in a tiny apartment but made the most of the space.
pocket-sized

Pocket-sized refers to objects that are small enough to fit in your pocket. This term is often applied to books, gadgets, or tools meant to be portable and convenient.

  • She always carried a pocket-sized notebook to jot down her ideas.
  • The company released a pocket-sized version of their popular device.

Examples of usage

  • The artist specialized in creating miniature portraits of famous historical figures.
  • She collected antique miniatures of landscapes and seascapes.
Context #2 | Noun

gaming

Small scale models used in tabletop gaming, such as miniature soldiers, vehicles, or buildings.

Synonyms

figurines, mini-figures, models.

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Word Description / Examples
miniatures

Used to describe small, detailed versions of something larger. Often refers to art pieces, toys, or collectibles that have been carefully crafted to look like their full-sized counterparts.

  • He collects miniatures of famous landmarks
  • The museum displayed miniatures of ancient ships
figurines

Typically small statues or carvings representing people, animals, or mythical beings. Often used for decoration or as collectibles.

  • She has a collection of porcelain figurines
  • The shop sells figurines of different animals
models

Can refer to small-scale replicas of objects, often used in hobbies or educational contexts. Models are frequently assembled from kits and can be very detailed.

  • He built a model of a World War II fighter plane
  • The architecture class used models to present their projects
mini-figures

Commonly refers to small, often toy-like figurines, typically used in contexts like board games or playsets. Frequently associated with characters from movies, TV shows, or games.

  • Kids love playing with mini-figures of their favorite superheroes
  • The board game comes with detailed mini-figures

Examples of usage

  • He spent hours painting his miniature army for the upcoming tabletop war game.
  • The shop sells a wide variety of fantasy miniatures for role-playing games.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word comes from the Latin 'miniatura', meaning 'red dye used for illuminating manuscripts', which reflects tiny details.
  • In ancient times, miniature objects often represented wealth and social status among nobles and aristocrats.

Art and Culture

  • Miniatures are a respected art form in many cultures, with detailed craftsmanship often seen in dollhouses and model trains.
  • Miniature painting originated in the Middle Ages, where artists would create small portraits on parchment or ivory for wealthy patrons.

Pop Culture

  • In the modern era, miniatures have gained popularity through hobbies like model railroading, where train enthusiasts create detailed landscapes.
  • Video games and film often feature miniatures for special effects, allowing creators to build entire worlds at a smaller scale.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that people are naturally drawn to smaller items, which may evoke feelings of nostalgia and security.
  • Playing with miniatures can help develop fine motor skills and enhance creativity, particularly in children.

Science

  • Miniature models are widely used in scientific research, like creating small-scale ecosystems to study environmental changes.
  • 3D printing technology has advanced the creation of precise miniatures for educational purposes in biology and engineering.

Translations

Translations of the word "miniatures" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น miniaturas

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฒเค˜เฅเคฐเฅ‚เคช

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Miniaturen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ miniatur

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผั–ะฝั–ะฐั‚ัŽั€ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ miniatury

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒŸใƒ‹ใƒใƒฅใ‚ข

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท miniatures

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ miniaturas

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท minyatรผrler

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฏธ๋‹ˆ์–ด์ฒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ู†ู…ู†ู…ุงุช

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ miniatury

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ miniatury

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅพฎๅž‹

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ miniaturne

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ smรกmyndir

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผะธะฝะธะฐั‚ัŽั€ะฐะปะฐั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒ˜แƒœแƒ˜แƒแƒขแƒฃแƒ แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ miniatรผrlษ™r

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ miniaturas

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,954, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.