Tiny: meaning, definitions and examples

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tiny

[ˈtaɪni ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

size

Very small in size

Synonyms

miniature, petite, small.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tiny	Used when describing something very small in size, often to emphasize how small it is. The ants were so tiny I could barely see them. She gave me a tiny piece of chocolate.
small	A general term for something that is not large in size. Can be used in a wide variety of contexts. She lives in a small apartment. The box is too small to fit all these items.
miniature	Often used for small versions of larger items, usually detailed and crafted to look like the full-sized item. He has a collection of miniature trains. The artist created a miniature model of the city.
petite	Commonly used to describe a small and slender person, especially women, in a flattering way. She has a petite figure that suits her style. He bought a dress for his petite girlfriend.

Examples of usage

The tiny kitten fit in the palm of my hand.
She wore a tiny necklace that sparkled in the sunlight.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal

A very small person or animal

Synonyms

diminutive, little, minuscule.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tiny	Often used in everyday language to describe something very small or insignificant. Commonly used for objects, sizes, and amounts. The kitten's paws were so tiny. We stayed in a tiny cabin by the lake.
little	Commonly used to describe something small in size, age, or importance. It can also have a sentimental connotation when talking about something dear or beloved. She has a little garden behind her house. He gave his little sister a big hug.
diminutive	Often used in more formal or literary contexts to describe something smaller than usual, or to indicate affection or endearment. She wore a diminutive locket around her neck. Despite his diminutive stature, he had a commanding presence.
minuscule	Used in both everyday and formal contexts to emphasize that something is extremely small, often to the point of being barely noticeable. The chances of winning the lottery are minuscule. He wrote a minuscule note at the bottom of the page.

Examples of usage

The tiny played with the other children in the park.
The tiny squirrel was gathering nuts for the winter.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'tiny' comes from the late Middle English word 'tini,' which meant small or insignificant.
It may be influenced by the word 'tin,' often associated with small items, like tin cans or miniatures.
The suffix '-y' is a common way in English to make adjectives descriptive, emphasizing the smallness.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'tiny house movement' refers to a trend where people choose to live in very small homes to simplify their lives.
In animation, characters like 'Tinker Bell' from Peter Pan are portrayed as tiny, emphasizing their magical nature.
Movies like 'Honey, I Shrunk the Kids' explore what it's like to be tiny, providing humor and adventure when ordinary objects become gigantic.

Science

At the microscopic level, many living organisms, including bacteria, are considered 'tiny' and play crucial roles in ecosystems.
A nanometer is one billionth of a meter, showcasing just how tiny some particles and materials can be in the universe.
In DNA structure, the tiny sequences of nucleotides carry immense biological information vital for life.

Psychology

Research indicates that people may perceive tiny objects as more charming or adorable, linking size to emotional appeal.
The 'tiny habits' approach in psychology encourages individuals to start small with new habits for easier adherence.
The concept of 'tiny victories' in psychology refers to recognizing small achievements to boost motivation and morale.

Nature

Many insects, like the bumblebee bat, are among the tiniest mammals, emphasizing biodiversity's scale.
Some plants, like the moss, can be tiny but play significant roles in their ecosystems, providing habitats and stability.
Tiny seeds, though small, can grow into massive trees, showcasing the potential hidden in small beginnings.

Translations

Translations of the word "tiny" in other languages:

🇵🇹 minúsculo

🇮🇳 छोटा

🇩🇪 winzig

🇮🇩 kecil

🇺🇦 крихітний

🇵🇱 malutki

🇯🇵 小さい (ちいさい)

🇫🇷 minuscule

🇪🇸 diminuto

🇹🇷 küçük

🇰🇷 작은

🇸🇦 صغير

🇨🇿 malý

🇸🇰 malý

🇨🇳 微小的 (wēi xiǎo de)

🇸🇮 majhen

🇮🇸 lítill

🇰🇿 кішкентай

🇬🇪 პატარა

🇦🇿 kiçik

🇲🇽 diminuto

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,701, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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3698 assembled
3699 heated
3700 speaker
3701 tiny
3702 tumor
3703 initiated
3704 demonstration
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