- Main Entry:
- 1small
- Pronunciation:
-
\ˈsmȯl\
- Function:
- adjective
- Etymology:
- Middle English smal, from Old English smæl; akin to Old High German smal small, Greek mēlon small domestic animal
- Date:
- before 12th century
1 a: having comparatively little size or slight dimensions b: lowercase2 a: minor in influence, power, or rank b: operating on a limited scale3: lacking in strength <a small voice>4 a: little or close to zero in an objectively measurable aspect (as quantity) b: made up of few or little units5 a: of little consequence : trivial b: humble, modest 6: limited in degree7 a: mean, petty b: reduced to a humiliating position
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small·ish \ˈsmȯ-lish\ adjective —
small·ness \ˈsmȯl-nəs\ noun synonyms small,
little,
diminutive,
minute,
tiny,
miniature mean noticeably below average in size.
small and
little are often interchangeable, but
small applies more to relative size determined by capacity, value, number
<a relatively small backyard>.
little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity
<your pathetic little smile>.
diminutive implies abnormal smallness
<diminutive bonsai plants>.
minute implies extreme smallness
<a minute amount of caffeine in the soda>.
tiny is an informal equivalent to
minute <tiny cracks formed in the painting>.
miniature applies to an exactly proportioned reproduction on a very small scale
<a dollhouse with miniature furnishings>.
