miniature

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