— diminutively , adv. — diminutiveness , n.
/di min"yeuh tiv/ , adj.
1. small; little; tiny: a diminutive building for a model-train layout.
2. Gram. pertaining to or productive of a form denoting smallness, familiarity, affection, or triviality, as the suffix -let, in droplet from drop.
n.
3. a small thing or person.
4. Gram. a diminutive element or formation.
5. Heraldry. a charge, as an ordinary, smaller in length or breadth than the usual.
[ 1350-1400; ME diminutivus, equiv. to L diminut ( us ) lessened (for deminutus; see DIMINUTION) + -ivus -IVE ]
Syn. 1. See little .