I. ˈsmȯl adjective
Etymology: Middle English smal, from Old English smæl; akin to Old High German smal small, Greek mēlon small domestic animal
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : having comparatively little size or slight dimensions
b. : lowercase
2.
a. : minor in influence, power, or rank
b. : operating on a limited scale
3. : lacking in strength
a small voice
4.
a. : little or close to zero in an objectively measurable aspect (as quantity, amount, or value)
b. : made up of few or little units
5.
a. : of little consequence : trivial , insignificant
a small problem
b. : humble , modest
a small beginning
6. : limited in degree
7.
a. : mean , petty
b. : reduced to a humiliating position
• small·ish ˈsmȯ-lish adjective
• small·ness ˈsmȯl-nəs noun
Synonyms:
small , little , diminutive , minute , tiny , miniature mean noticeably below average in size. small and little are often interchangeable, but small applies more to relative size determined by capacity, value, number
a relatively small backyard
little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity
your pathetic little smile
diminutive implies abnormal smallness
diminutive bonsai plants
minute implies extreme smallness
a minute amount of caffeine in the soda
tiny is an informal equivalent to minute
tiny cracks formed in the painting
miniature applies to an exactly proportioned reproduction on a very small scale
a dollhouse with miniature furnishings
II. adverb
Date: before 12th century
1. : in or into small pieces
2. : without force or loudness
speak as small as you will — Shakespeare
3. : in a small manner
III. noun
Date: 14th century
1. : a part smaller and especially narrower than the remainder
the small of the back
2.
a. plural : small-sized products
b. plural , chiefly British : smallclothes ; especially : underwear