— smallness , n.
/smawl/ , adj., smaller, smallest , adv., smaller, smallest , n.
adj.
1. of limited size; of comparatively restricted dimensions; not big; little: a small box.
2. slender, thin, or narrow: a small waist.
3. not large as compared with others of the same kind: a small elephant.
4. (of letters) lower-case (def. 1).
5. not great in amount, degree, extent, duration, value, etc.: a small salary.
6. not great numerically: a small army.
7. of low numerical value; denoted by a low number.
8. having but little land, capital, power, influence, etc., or carrying on business or some activity on a limited scale: a small enterprise.
9. of minor importance, moment, weight, or consequence: a small problem.
10. humble, modest, or unpretentious: small circumstances.
11. characterized by or indicative of littleness of mind or character; mean-spirited; petty: a small, miserly man.
12. of little strength or force: a small effort.
13. (of sound or the voice) gentle; with little volume.
14. very young: when I was a small boy.
15. diluted; weak.
16. feel small , to be ashamed or mortified: Her unselfishness made me feel small.
adv.
17. in a small manner: They talked big but lived small.
18. into small pieces: Slice the cake small.
19. in low tones; softly.
n.
20. something that is small: Do you prefer the small or the large?
21. a small or narrow part, as of the back.
22. those who are small: Democracy benefits the great and the small.
23. smalls , small goods or products.
24. smalls , Brit.
a. underclothes.
b. household linen, as napkins, pillowcases, etc.
25. smalls , Brit. Informal. the responsions at Oxford University.
26. smalls , Mining. coal, ore, gangue, etc., in fine particles.
[ bef. 900; ME smale (adj., n., and adv.), OE smael; c. D smal, G schmal ]
Syn. 1. tiny. See little. 2. slight. 1, 3, 5 . SMALLER, LESS indicate a diminution, or not so large a size or quantity in some respect. SMALLER, as applied to concrete objects, is used with reference to size: smaller apples. LESS is used of material in bulk, with reference to amount, and in cases where attributes such as value and degree are in question: A nickel is less than a dime (in value). A sergeant is less than a lieutenant (in rank).
As an abstraction, amount may be either SMALLER or LESS, though SMALLER is usually used when the idea of size is suggested: a smaller opportunity. LESS is used when the idea of quantity is present: less courage. 9. trifling, petty, unimportant, minor, secondary, nugatory, inconsequential, paltry, insignificant. 11. small-minded, narrow-minded, mean, selfish, narrow. 12. feeble.
Ant. 1. large, big.