What is a diminutive noun?

What is a diminutive noun?

noun. /dɪˈmɪnjətɪv/ /dɪˈmɪnjətɪv/ ​a word or an ending of a word that shows that somebody/something is small, for example piglet (= a young pig), kitchenette (= a small kitchen)

What is the diminutive word?

Diminutive means small. A diminutive word is a “cute” version of a word or name: for example, “duckling” is a diminutive of “duck” and Billy is a diminutive form of the name William.

Is short an adjective or adverb?

short (adverb) short (noun) short (verb) short–circuit (verb)

What is a diminutive adjective?

Adjective. small, little, diminutive, minute, tiny, miniature mean noticeably below average in size.

What are the diminutive suffixes?

The most common diminutive suffixes are -ie, -ock, -ockie (double diminutive) or the Caithness –ag (the latter from Scottish Gaelic, and perhaps reinforcing the other two before it). -ie is by far the most common suffix used. Others are -le or -er for frequentative or diminutive emphasis.

Is diminutive a verb noun or adjective?

Just as diminish means “to grow smaller”, diminutive means “very small”. When writing about language, diminutive as both an adjective and a noun refers to particular endings and the words made with them to indicate smallness.

Is tall an adjective?

(of a building, etc.) Having its top a long way up; having a great vertical (and often greater than horizontal) extent; high. Having a vertical extent greater than the average. For example, somebody with a height of over 6 feet would generally be considered to be tall.

Is diminutive a suffix?

A diminutive (or pet name) of a given name is a short and/or affectionate form. Diminutive suffix – a group of letters that are added to the end of a word to show that something is smaller than things of that type usually are, for example ‘ling’ added to ‘duck’ to make ‘duckling’.

Which is the best definition of the word diminutive?

Grammar. pertaining to or productive of a form denoting smallness, familiarity, affection, or triviality, as the suffix -let, in droplet from drop. a small thing or person. Grammar. a diminutive element or formation.

When can little be used instead of diminutive?

While all these words mean “noticeably below average in size,” diminutive implies abnormal smallness. When can little be used instead of diminutive? The meanings of little and diminutive largely overlap; however, little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity.

What is the definition of a diminutive building?

small; little; tiny: a diminutive building for a model-train layout.

When do you use the word diminutive outside of language?

Outside of language, diminutive is used for many things, including people (“She noticed a diminutive figure standing shyly by the door”), but often not very seriously (“We were served some rather diminutive rolls”).