Small Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔍

Add to dictionary

small

[smɔːl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

size

Of a size that is less than normal or usual.

Synonyms

little, miniature, petite, tiny.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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 baby’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?

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

In physics, small objects can behave differently than larger ones. For example, tiny particles can exhibit wave-like behavior.
Small organisms, like bacteria and viruses, play crucial roles in ecosystems yet are invisible to the naked eye.

Psychology

Research shows that people often perceive smallness as harmless and more approachable, influencing interactions and perceptions.
The 'small-world phenomenon' suggests that even seemingly unrelated people can be connected through a short chain of acquaintances.

Pop Culture

In the classic children's story 'The Borrowers', tiny people live successfully by borrowing items from the larger world.
Animated films, like 'Ant-Man', demonstrate how small characters can embark on grand adventures despite their size.

Literature

Authors often use small characters to symbolize vulnerability or innocence, such as in 'Charlotte's Web' with the small pig, Wilbur.
In poetry, smallness can reflect simplicity and purity, often used to evoke emotions tied to childhood or nostalgia.

Origin of 'small'

Main points about word origin

The word 'small' comes from the Old English word 'smæl', which has unchanged similar meanings throughout history.
In German, 'schmal' means narrow or thin, showing connections to the meaning of 'small' in terms of size and dimensions.

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.

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.

...
127 law
128 different
129 power
130 small
131 last
132 still
133 another
...