Smaller
ˈsmɔːlə(r)
adjectiveBeginnerVery CommonGeneral
Meaning
Questions
Definitions
1
Of less size, extent, or amount; the comparative form of small.
ˈsmɔːlə(r)
adjectiveneutralBeginner
General
Comparative form of 'small'; of less size or extent.
The smaller dog was able to fit through the fence.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have two cookies. One's big, and one's not so big. The second one is 'smaller'!
👶 For kids: Less big.
More Examples
2
We need a smaller container for the leftovers.
3
Her younger brother is smaller than her.
How It's Used
General Comparison
"This house is smaller than the one we saw yesterday."
Measurement
"The smaller particles are filtered out."
Figurative Use (in importance)
"His problems seemed smaller in comparison to hers."
From Middle English 'smaler', comparative of 'small', from Old English 'smæl'.
The comparative form 'smaller' has been consistently used throughout English history, reflecting the common need to compare size or quantity.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'small' - it's just smaller.
Practice
smalersmallar
Usage
60%Spoken
40%Written