Definition of diminutive Diminutive

/dɪmɪˈnjʌtɪv/ - [diminyutiv] - di•min•u•tive

We found 14 definitions of diminutive from 6 different sources.

What does diminutive mean?

WordNet

Noun

Plural: diminutives

diminutive - a word that is formed with a suffix (such as -let or -kin) to indicate smallness

word a unit of language that native speakers can identify; "words are the blocks from which sentences are made"; "he hardly said ten words all morning"

= synonym
= antonym
= related word

Wiktionary

diminutive (Noun)
A word form expressing smallness, youth, unimportance, or endearment.
diminutive (Adjective)
Very small.
diminutive (Adjective)
Serving to diminish.
diminutive (Adjective)
Of or pertaining to, or creating a word form expressing smallness, youth, unimportance, or endearment.

Webster DictionaryWebster's Unabridged Dictionary 📘

diminutive (a.)
Below the average size; very small; little.
diminutive (a.)
Expressing diminution; as, a diminutive word.
diminutive (a.)
Tending to diminish.
diminutive (n.)
Something of very small size or value; an insignificant thing.
diminutive (n.)
A derivative from a noun, denoting a small or a young object of the same kind with that denoted by the primitive; as, gosling, eaglet, lambkin.

OmegaWiki DictionaryOmegaWiki Dictionary Ω

diminutive
A word that is formed with a suffix (such as -let or -kin) to indicate smallness.
diminutive
Very small in size.

Wikipedia

A diminutive is a formation of a word used to express smallness of the object or quality that is meant with the word the diminutive is formed from.

Examples in English.

Diminutives are common in most dialects of English. Terms such as "undies" for underwear and "movie" for "moving picture" are frequently heard terms in English.