I. də-ˈmi-nyə-tiv noun
Etymology: Middle English diminutif, from Medieval Latin diminutivum, alteration of Late Latin deminutivum, from neuter of deminutivus, adjective, from deminutus, past participle of deminuere
Date: 14th century
1. : a diminutive word, affix, or name
2. : a diminutive individual
II. 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