Useful english dictionary. 2012.
diminutive suffix — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms diminutive suffix : singular diminutive suffix plural diminutive suffixes linguistics 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… … English dictionary
diminutive suffix — di.minutive suffix n technical an ending that is added to a word to express smallness, for example ling added to duck to make duckling … Dictionary of contemporary English
diminutive suffix — di,minutive suffix noun count LINGUISTICS 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 let added to drop to make droplet … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
diminutive suffix — noun (C) technical an ending that is added to a word to express smallness, for example ling added to duck to make duckling … Longman dictionary of contemporary English
diminutive — [də min′yo͞o tiv, də min′yətiv] adj. [ME & OFr diminutif < LL diminutivus < pp. of L deminuere, DIMINISH] 1. much smaller than ordinary or average; very small; tiny 2. Gram. expressing smallness or diminution [a diminutive suffix or name] n … English World dictionary
Diminutive — In language structure, a diminutive,[1] or diminutive form (abbreviated dim), is a formation of a word used to convey a slight degree of the root meaning, smallness of the object or quality named, encapsulation, intimacy, or endearment.[2][3] It… … Wikipedia
diminutive — /dəˈmɪnjətɪv / (say duh minyuhtiv) adjective 1. small; little; tiny: *he tore little strips of paper and made diminutive notes upon them. –peter carey, 1988. 2. Grammar relating to or productive of a form denoting smallness, familiarity,… …
diminutive — I UK [dɪˈmɪnjʊtɪv] / US [dɪˈmɪnjətɪv] adjective formal very short or small a diminutive woman with bright blue eyes II UK [dɪˈmɪnjʊtɪv] / US [dɪˈmɪnjətɪv] noun [countable] Word forms diminutive : singular diminutive plural diminutives linguistics … English dictionary
diminutive — di|min|u|tive1 [dıˈmınjutıv] adj [Date: 1300 1400; : French; Origin: diminutif, from Latin minuere to make less ] small ▪ a shy diminutive man diminutive 2 diminutive2 n a word formed by adding a diminutive suffix … Dictionary of contemporary English
diminutive — di|min|u|tive1 [ dı mınjətıv ] adjective FORMAL very short or small: TINY: The new boss turned out to be a diminutive woman with bright blue eyes. diminutive di|min|u|tive 2 [ dı mınjətıv ] noun count LINGUISTICS a word formed by adding a… … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
