diminutive

Pronunciation: /dɪˈmɪnjʊtɪv/

Translate diminutive | into Italian | into Spanish

Definition of diminutive

adjective

extremely or unusually small:a diminutive figure dressed in black
(of a word, name, or suffix) implying smallness, either actual or imputed to convey affection, scorn, etc. (e.g. teeny, -let, -kins).

noun

a smaller or shorter thing, in particular:
a diminutive word or suffix.
a shortened form of a name, typically used informally:‘Nick’ is a diminutive of ‘Nicholas’
Heraldry a charge of the same form as an ordinary but of lesser size or width.

Derivatives

diminutively
diminutiveness

Origin:

late Middle English (as a grammatical term): from Old French diminutif, -ive, from late Latin diminutivus, from Latin deminut- 'diminished', from the verb deminuere (see diminish)

Grammar

A version of a noun that refers to a small version of something. Such diminutives are formed by adding a prefix:minibus microskirt or a suffix:notelet kitchenette duckling A version of a noun that indicates familiarity or fondness, formed by adding a suffix:Aussie sweetie footer champers A short form of a personal name:Timothy → Tim Katherine → Kath/Kate/Katy

diminutive in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of diminutive in the US English dictionary

Subscriber login

Library card login

Other

diminutive

adjective

noun

Derivatives

diminutively

diminutiveness

Origin:

Grammar

diminutive in other Oxford dictionaries

Nearby words

Word of the day

offing