adj. 1. Extremely or extraordinarily small. See Synonyms at small. 2. Grammar Of or being a suffix that indicates smallness or, by semantic extension, qualities such as youth, familiarity, affection, or contempt, as -let in booklet, -kin in lambkin, or -et in nymphet. n. 1. Grammar A diminutive suffix, word, or name. 2. A very small person or thing. [Middle English diminutif, from Old French, from Latin dīminūtīvus, from dīminūtus, past participle of dīminuere; see DIMINISH.] di·minu·tive·ly adv. di·minu·tive·ness n. |
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