n.
Pronunciation: ' smo ̇ l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English smal, from Old English smæl; akin to Old High German smal small, Greek m ē lon 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 \ ' smo ̇ -lish \ adjective
– small · ness \ ' smo ̇ l-n ə s \ 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>.