n.
Function: adjective
Date: 14th century
1 : indicating small size and sometimes the state or quality of being familiarly known, lovable, pitiable, or contemptible ― used of affixes (as -ette, -kin, -ling ) and of words formed with them (as kitchenette, manikin, duckling ), of clipped forms (as Jim ), and of altered forms (as Peggy ) ― compare AUGMENTATIVE
2 : exceptionally or notably small : TINY <a diminutive performer>
synonyms see SMALL
– di · min · u · tive · ly adverb
– di · min · u · tive · ness noun