Small: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”
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small

 

[ smษ”หl ]

Adjective / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adjective

size

Of a size that is less than normal or usual.

Synonyms

little, miniature, petite, tiny.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
small

General term used to describe size that is not large. Can be used in various situations without strong emotional connotations.

  • She lives in a small house
  • The small dog was very friendly
little

Often used to convey affection or emotion, or to describe something younger or endearing. Sometimes implies a sense of tenderness or cuteness.

  • She gave her little brother a hug
  • The little bird chirped happily
tiny

Describes something extremely small in size, often used to emphasize how little something is. Can convey a sense of wonder or slight disbelief.

  • The babyโ€™s hands were so tiny
  • They found a tiny insect in the garden
miniature

Describes something that is a smaller version of something else, often used in contexts like models, collectibles, or art.

  • He collects miniature cars
  • The garden had a miniature village
petite

Primarily used to describe people, often women, who are attractively small and dainty. Can have a positive connotation when referring to a person's build.

  • She has a petite figure
  • The boutique sells clothes for petite women

Examples of usage

  • It's a small car, perfect for city driving.
  • She has a small garden in the backyard.
  • The apartment is small but cozy.
  • The small child reached up to grab the cookie.
  • The small details make a big difference.
Context #2 | Noun

measurement

The opposite of large or big; not big in size.

Synonyms

little, miniature, petite, tiny.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
small

This word is a general term used to describe something that is not large in size, amount, or degree. It can be used in various situations.

  • The small town had only one store.
  • She handed me a small gift box.
little

Often used to describe an object, person, or situation that is small in a cute or endearing way. It can also imply affection.

  • She has a little cat that follows her everywhere.
  • He gave his little sister a hug.
tiny

Describes something extremely small in size; often used to emphasize how small something is.

  • She found a tiny shell on the beach.
  • There was a tiny crack in the window.
miniature

Usually refers to a smaller version of something, often used for models or replicas.

  • They built a miniature version of the Eiffel Tower.
  • The artist made a miniature sculpture of the horse.
petite

Most often used to describe a person, particularly women, who are small and slender.

  • She wore a petite dress that fit her perfectly.
  • The boutique specializes in clothing for petite women.

Examples of usage

  • She only needs a small portion of food.
  • He asked for a small glass of water.
  • The room is decorated with small furniture.
  • The small of the back is a sensitive area on the body.
  • I'll have a small coffee, please.

Translations

Translations of the word "small" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น pequeno

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค›เฅ‹เคŸเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช klein

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kecil

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผะฐะปะตะฝัŒะบะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ maล‚y

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅฐใ•ใ„ (ใกใ„ใ•ใ„)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท petit

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ pequeรฑo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kรผรงรผk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ž‘์€ (jageun)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุตุบูŠุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ malรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ malรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฐ (xiวŽo)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ majhen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ lรญtill

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบั–ัˆะบะตะฝั‚ะฐะน

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒžแƒแƒขแƒแƒ แƒ (patara)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kiรงik

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ pequeรฑo

Etymology

The word 'small' originated from the Old English word 'smael' which meant slender, thin. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to something of a size that is less than normal or usual. The word has been used in the English language for centuries and is commonly used in everyday conversations to describe objects, sizes, and measurements.

See also: smaller, smallest, smallness.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #130, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.