tiny

Frequently Asked Questions About tiny

How is the word tiny distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of tiny are diminutive, little, miniature, minute, and small. While all these words mean "noticeably below average in size," tiny is an informal equivalent to minute.

tiny cracks formed in the painting

When could diminutive be used to replace tiny?

While in some cases nearly identical to tiny, diminutive implies abnormal smallness.

diminutive bonsai plants

When is little a more appropriate choice than tiny?

The meanings of little and tiny largely overlap; however, little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity.

your pathetic little smile

When might miniature be a better fit than tiny?

The words miniature and tiny can be used in similar contexts, but miniature applies to an exactly proportioned reproduction on a very small scale.

a dollhouse with miniature furnishings

When can minute be used instead of tiny?

Although the words minute and tiny have much in common, minute implies extreme smallness.

a minute amount of caffeine in the soda

How do small and little relate to one another, in the sense of tiny?

Both small and little are often interchangeable, but small applies more to relative size determined by capacity, value, number.

a relatively small backyard