Small
/smɔːl/
Definitions
3 meaningsHaving a relatively restricted or diminutive size; not large.
/smɔːl/
Of limited size or extent
The small bird flew away.
💡 Simply: Imagine a tiny toy car versus a big truck. Small means the toy car! It's little and not very big.
👶 For kids: Not big. Like a little ant!
More Examples
She lives in a small apartment.
They ate a small portion of cake.
How It's Used
"She has a small dog."
"The company started as a small business."
Having little importance or significance.
/smɔːl/
Of limited importance or significance
There was only a small chance of rain.
💡 Simply: Like a tiny scratch versus a big cut. If something is small in this way, it doesn't matter much.
👶 For kids: Not very important, like a little boo-boo.
More Examples
The damage was small.
The mistake was small, but noticeable.
How It's Used
"The issue had a small impact on the election."
"The company made a small profit."
A garment size that is smaller than medium but bigger than extra small.
/smɔːl/
A small person or item.
I wear a small in t-shirts
💡 Simply: like a shirt size. Sometimes clothing comes in different sizes, like small, medium, and large. Small is the smallest size that you can have, after Extra Small and before Medium.
👶 For kids: The size of a clothes.
More Examples
This jacket is a small.
Could I try on the small please
How It's Used
"She wears a small in tops."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
think small
To limit one's ambitions or plans.
"Don't think small; aim for the stars!"
a small price to pay
An acceptable disadvantage or sacrifice for a greater benefit.
"Losing a little sleep is a small price to pay for success."
From Old English *smæl*, from Proto-Germanic *smalaz* ('narrow, thin, small'). Cognate with German *schmal* and Dutch *smal*.
The word 'small' has been in use since Old English times, evolving from its Germanic roots to signify a lack of size or significance. Its early usage aligns closely with its contemporary meaning.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'mini' - small things are like the miniature version of something big.
Word Origin
"narrow, thin, small"