small
small
Pronunciation
small: /smɔːl/
syl·la·ble 1: /smɔːl/ - This word has only one syllable.
Word Form Variations
The word "small" is an adjective. It does not have singular or plural forms in the same way nouns do. Its variations are primarily in its comparative and superlative forms:
Positive: small
Comparative: smaller
Superlative: smallest
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective
Definition 1: Of a size that is less than average or usual; not large.
Synonyms: tiny, little, diminutive, miniature, petite, compact
Antonyms: large, big, huge, enormous, gigantic, massive
Definition 2: Limited in amount, extent, or degree; of minor significance.
Synonyms: slight, minor, trivial, insignificant, modest, paltry
Antonyms: significant, major, substantial, considerable, extensive
Definition 3: Young in age or not fully grown.
Synonyms: young, infant, juvenile, undeveloped
Antonyms: old, adult, mature, grown
Definition 4: Characterized by limited scope, influence, or power.
Synonyms: minor, subordinate, humble, obscure, limited
Antonyms: important, dominant, influential, powerful, extensive
Adverb
Definition 1: In a small manner; into small pieces or amounts.
Synonyms: lightly, softly, gently, quietly (in some contexts, e.g., "to speak small")
Antonyms: loudly, heavily, forcefully (context-dependent)
Examples of Use
Books:
"The hobbit was a very small person, smaller than dwarves even, and smaller than the usual run of bearded men." (J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, September 1937)
"It was a small world, after all, when you considered how many people were connected by such intricate webs." (A general sentiment found in many fictional narratives, reflecting a common idiom.)
Newspapers:
"Local businesses fear new policy will disadvantage small enterprises." (Headline from The Daily Nation)
"A small fire quickly contained by firefighters prevented major damage to the historic building." (The New York Times)
Online Publications:
"How to start a small garden in an urban apartment." (Article on Gardening Know How)
"Researchers discover a small, previously unknown species of deep-sea fish." (News item on ScienceDaily)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" (1989) – The entire premise revolves around a machine that makes things small.
Television Series: In an episode of The Office, Michael Scott tries to organize a "Dundies" awards ceremony, often commenting on the small scale of their branch office compared to corporate. (NBC, aired October 2005 - May 2013)
Music: "It's a Small World (After All)" (Song from Disneyland attraction, written by the Sherman Brothers, 1964)
Video Games: In Minecraft, players frequently build intricate structures from small individual blocks.
General Public Discourse:
"Can you please hand me that small wrench?" (Everyday conversation in a workshop)
"We made a small mistake, but we can fix it." (Common phrase used to acknowledge a minor error)
"It's a small world, isn't it? I can't believe we ran into each other here." (Colloquial expression used when encountering someone unexpectedly)
10 Quotes Using Small
"It's a small world, but I wouldn't want to have to paint it." (Steven Wright)
"Every small positive change we make in our lives contributes to a larger transformation in the world." (Deepak Chopra, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success)
"A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history." (Mahatma Gandhi)
"A small leak will sink a great ship." (Benjamin Franklin)
"Do small things with great love." (Mother Teresa)
"The biggest things are often small." (Attributed to various sources, emphasizing the importance of details.)
"Even the small things can make a big difference." (Attributed to various sources)
"It is the small things in life that are often the biggest joys." (Unknown)
"We are all small, but we are all strong." (Malala Yousafzai)
"The small stuff matters." (Attributed to various sources, emphasizing attention to detail)
Etymology
The word "small" has a long history, tracing its roots back to ancient Germanic languages. Imagine a family tree of words; "small" is a very old branch on that tree!
Its journey begins with the Proto-Germanic word *smalaz. This ancient word already carried the meaning of being "narrow" or "thin," and by extension, "small."
From Proto-Germanic, it evolved into Old English as "smæl." This Old English word also meant "narrow, thin, slender," and crucially, "little, not large, few." So, right from its earliest recorded use in English, it had the core meaning of being of limited size.
The first known uses of "smæl" in Old English texts appear to convey this sense of limited size or narrowness. For instance, it might have been used to describe a "smælweg" (a narrow path) or a "smæl fisc" (a small fish).
Over time, as English developed, "smæl" gradually transformed into our modern "small." While the "narrow" or "thin" sense isn't as common today, it's still present in related words like "smalt" (a type of blue pigment, historically made from finely ground glass, implying small particles). However, the primary meaning of "not large" has remained consistent and strong throughout its history.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Small
Small talk: Casual conversation, usually about unimportant subjects.
Small fry: People or things of little importance.
Small world: Said when one unexpectedly meets someone they know or discovers an unexpected connection.
Small mercies: Minor good things that happen in a bad situation.
Small print: The detailed, often restrictive, clauses in a contract or document, typically in a very tiny font.
To feel small: To feel insignificant or humiliated.
Small hours: The hours of the early morning (e.g., 1 a.m. to 4 a.m.).
In a small way: To a limited extent; on a modest scale.
To make someone feel small: To make someone feel unimportant or embarrassed.
A small fortune: A large sum of money.
Thinking small: Focusing on minor details or limiting one's ambitions.
Small wonder: Not surprising.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of small from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
