diminutive
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “diminutive” mean?
adjective.extremely or unusually small.
SAT Usage
the term often appears in contexts related to descriptions of people, animals, or objects, emphasizing their smallness in a way that conveys endearment or insignificance. It implies a sense of charm or vulnerability rather than mere physical size, distinguishing it from similar words like "petite," which typically refers to stature without the same connotations of cuteness or delicacy.
Common Confusions
Diminutive implies a charming or endearing smallness, while petite usually suggests a small size without the same connotations of cuteness or vulnerability.
Do not choose diminutive if the context emphasizes largeness or abundance rather than being extremely or unusually small.
Example Sentences
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Booklet, the diminutive of book, means ‘small book’.