diminutive
/dəˈmɪn.jə.tɪv/
Group 5Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Extremely or unusually small GRE
Example in Context
Despite her diminutive stature, the senator commanded the attention of the entire chamber whenever she rose to speak.
Synonyms
tinysmalllittle
Etymology
Having the nature of being small or lesser.
- diminut- (Latin) — to lessen
- -ive (Latin) — having the nature of
Memory Aid
🧚Sounds like “diminutive”
Picture a DIMINUTIVE fairy, just a TEENY-TINY speck flitting around your living room!
Visual Association
🐜A tiny ant carrying a crumb that is ten times its size, showcasing extreme smallness.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “diminutive” mean on the GRE?
diminutive (adjective) means “Extremely or unusually small”. Despite her diminutive stature, the senator commanded the attention of the entire chamber whenever she rose to speak.
How to remember “diminutive” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “diminutive” sounds like “diminutive”. Picture a DIMINUTIVE fairy, just a TEENY-TINY speck flitting around your living room!
What are synonyms for “diminutive”?
Common synonyms: tiny, small, little.