small

/smɔ:l/
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small

A small child holds a tiny seashell in their hand.

Definition

  1. Adjective:

    • Of limited size; not big or large: "small" describes something that is physically little in size, extent, or amount.
    • Minor in importance, degree, or scale: "small" can refer to something insignificant, trivial, or of little consequence.
    • Young or immature: "small" is used to describe children or young animals.
    • Humble or modest in station or quality: "small" can describe something of low rank, status, or pretension.
    • Carried out on a limited scale: "small" refers to operations, businesses, or activities of restricted scope.

  2. Adverb:

    • Into small pieces: "small" describes the action of breaking or dividing something into little parts.
    • In a small manner; on a small scale: "small" describes doing something in a minor, quiet, or humble way.

  3. Noun:

    • A small person or thing: "small" can refer to a person of slight build or a garment size for such a person.
    • A slender part, especially of the back: "small" refers to the narrowest part of the lower back.
Usage Examples

  • Adjective:

    • She lives in a small house. (The house is not large in physical dimensions.)
    • It was just a small mistake. (The mistake was minor and unimportant.)
    • He spoke in a small voice. (His voice was quiet and faint.)
    • They run a small family business. (The business operates on a limited scale.)

  • Adverb:

    • Chop the onions small. (Cut the onions into tiny pieces.)
    • They started thinking small to save money. (They began planning on a modest, limited scale.)

  • Noun:

    • This shirt is a size small. (This shirt is the size designated for a person of slight build.)
    • He felt a pain in the small of his back. (He felt pain in the narrow part of his lower back.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to feel/look small": to feel or appear humiliated, ashamed, or insignificant.
    • His criticism made her feel very small.
  • "the small of the back": the narrow, curved part at the center of the lower back.
    • The massage focused on the small of her back.
  • "in a small way": to a limited or modest extent.
    • He contributed to the charity in his own small way.
Variants and Related Words
  • Smallish (adj): somewhat small.
    • The room was smallish but comfortable.
  • Smallness (n): the quality or state of being small.
    • The smallness of the apartment was a problem.
Synonyms
  • Little: (adj) small in size, amount, or degree. (Often interchangeable, but "little" can imply endearment.)
  • Tiny: (adj) extremely small.
  • Petite: (adj) (especially of a woman) attractively small and slender.
  • Modest: (adj) relatively moderate, limited, or small in amount, rate, or level.
  • Minor: (adj) lesser in importance, seriousness, or significance.
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Small talk: polite conversation about unimportant or uncontroversial matters.
    • We made small talk while waiting for the meeting to start.
Related Idioms
  • It's a small world: said when you meet someone unexpectedly in an unrelated place, expressing surprise that paths have crossed.
    • I saw my old teacher in Tokyo! It's a small world.
  • The small print / fine print: the details in a contract or document, often containing important restrictions.
    • Always read the small print before you sign anything.
  • Small fry: people or things of little importance; also, young children.
    • The police are after the big criminals, not the small fry.
small

A small child holds a tiny seashell in their hand.

Adjective
  1. made to seem smaller or less (especially in worth)
    • her comments made me feel small
  2. not large but sufficient in size or amount
    • a modest salary
    • modest inflation
    • helped in my own small way
  3. have fine or very small constituent particles
    • a small misty rain
  4. (of a voice) faint
    • a little voice
    • a still small voice
  5. lowercase
    • little a
    • small a
    • e.e.cummings's poetry is written all in minuscule letters
  6. low or inferior in station or quality
    • a humble cottage
    • a lowly parish priest
    • a modest man of the people
    • small beginnings
  7. slight or limited; especially in degree or intensity or scope
    • a series of death struggles with small time in between
  8. (of children and animals) young, immature
    • what a big little boy you are
    • small children
  9. limited in size or scope
    • a small business
    • a newspaper with a modest circulation
    • small-scale plans
    • a pocket-size country
  10. limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
    • a little dining room
    • a little house
    • a small car
    • a little (or small) group
Adverb
  1. on a small scale
    • think small
Noun
  1. a garment size for a small person
  2. the slender part of the back

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