Diminutive

B2 16+

Pronunciation: /dɪˈmɪn.jʊ.tɪv/

Definitions of diminutive

noun a diminutive word or name

Example Sentences

A1 The diminutive of 'dog' is 'puppy'.

A2 She was known for her diminutive stature.

B1 The actress was often cast in diminutive roles.

B2 The diminutive of 'Elizabeth' is 'Liz'.

C1 The diminutive form of the word 'elephant' is 'ele.'

C2 The diminutive size of the house made it cozy and charming.

adjective indicating small size or youth

Example Sentences

A1 She is a diminutive woman with a big heart.

A2 The kitten was so small and diminutive that it fit in the palm of my hand.

B1 The diminutive size of the apartment made it feel cozy and intimate.

B2 Despite her diminutive stature, she had a commanding presence.

C1 The diminutive details of the painting revealed the artist's skill and precision.

C2 The actress's diminutive frame belied her powerful performance on stage.

Examples of diminutive in a Sentence

formal The diminutive size of the bonsai tree made it perfect for small spaces.

informal I saw a diminutive puppy at the park today, it was so cute!

slang She may be diminutive in stature, but she's got a big personality.

figurative The diminutive amount of effort he put into the project was evident in the final result.

Grammatical Forms of diminutive

past tense

diminished

plural

diminutives

comparative

more diminutive

superlative

most diminutive

present tense

diminutes

future tense

will diminish

perfect tense

has diminished

continuous tense

is diminishing

singular

diminutive

positive degree

diminutive

infinitive

to diminish

gerund

diminishing

participle

diminishing

Origin and Evolution of diminutive

First Known Use: 0015 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'diminutive' originated from the Latin word 'diminutivus', which is derived from the verb 'diminuere' meaning 'to lessen' or 'to reduce'.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to indicate something that is smaller or lesser in size, the word 'diminutive' has evolved to also describe things that are endearing or cute due to their small size.