A1adjective1K

Small

UK /["/smɔːl/"]/US /["/smɔːl/"]/

Definition

not large in size, number, degree, amount, etc.

In simple words: Not big in size.

Examples

  • She has a small puppy that loves to play.
  • The small house was cozy and warm.
  • He took a small bite of his food.
  • The children are playing with a small ball in the park.
  • I found a small book on the shelf.

Usage notes

Use 'small' when describing size, usually negative or neutral. Don't use it for formal contexts like technical descriptions where precision is needed.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of a tiny ant; it's small!

Collocations

  • be
  • feel
  • look
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • for
  • big and small
  • large and small
  • smaller and smaller

Synonyms

  • petite
  • tiny
  • minute
  • compact
  • slight

Antonyms

  • large
  • big
  • huge

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'small' with 'little' in size comparisons.
  • Using 'small' to describe quantity when 'few' is more appropriate.
  • 'Small' may be incorrectly used as a noun.