Diminutives and augmentatives are special forms of English words that show something is small, cute, or big, using endings like -let, -ette, or prefixes like mini- and mega-.
In English, we use diminutives to make words sound smaller, cuter, or more familiar, and augmentatives to make words sound bigger or more intense. This is done by adding special endings or prefixes, or by using certain descriptive words.
Understanding Diminutives
Diminutives are word forms that express something as smaller or more endearing. They can make nouns or sometimes names sound cuter or more familiar.
How English Forms Diminutives:
- Using suffixes like -let or -ette
- Using prefixes like mini-
- Using certain noun forms like kitty or puppy
- Adding suffix -y or -ie for nicknames
Examples:
- booklet (a small book)
- kitchenette (a small kitchen)
- minibus (a small bus)
- doggy (a small or cute dog)
- Annie (diminutive of Ann)
Which of these is a common way English forms diminutives?
Using suffixes like -let or -ette, or prefixes like mini-.
English forms diminutives by adding suffixes like -let or -ette, or using the prefix mini-. These create smaller or cuter versions of words.
Understanding Augmentatives
Augmentatives are word forms that express something as larger, more powerful, or more intense. English doesn’t have specific endings for augmentatives, but uses prefixes or descriptive words.
How English Forms Augmentatives:
- Using prefixes like mega-, super-, ultra-
- Using adjectives like giant, huge, massive before the noun
- Sometimes using all caps or elongation in informal writing (e.g., “Sooo big!”)
Examples:
- megastore (a very large store)
- supercar (a very powerful car)
- gigantic (very large)
- massive building
Examples and Usage
Here are some common diminutives and augmentatives in English, along with example sentences.
| Form | Meaning | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| booklet | small book | I read a booklet about plants. | A small book. |
| kitchenette | small kitchen | They have a kitchenette in the studio. | A tiny kitchen area. |
| minibus | small bus | The minibus arrived early. | A smaller-sized bus. |
| doggy | little dog | She has a cute doggy. | A term of endearment for dogs. |
| Annie | diminutive of Ann | Annie is coming over. | A familiar form of the name Ann. |
| megastore | very large store | The megastore sells everything. | A huge store. |
| supercar | very powerful car | He drives a supercar. | A high-performance car. |
| gigantic | very large | We saw a gigantic statue. | Extremely large. |
| massive | very big | They built a massive bridge. | Very large and heavy. |
More About English Diminutive Patterns
Here are some common endings and how they’re used:
- -let: Often for small objects or items (booklet, piglet).
- -ette: Borrowed from French, often for feminine or small versions (cigarette, kitchenette).
- mini-: Prefix meaning small (miniskirt, minivan).
- -y/-ie: For nicknames or cute forms (doggy, birdie, Johnnie).
How Is This Different From Other Languages?
In some languages (like Spanish, Italian, or Russian), diminutives and augmentatives are very common and regular parts of grammar, changing word endings systematically. English uses a more limited set of forms and often relies on separate words (like “little” or “huge”) instead of changing the word ending.
Summary
- Diminutives in English show smallness, cuteness, or familiarity, using endings like -let, -ette, or prefixes like mini-.
- Augmentatives show largeness or intensity, using prefixes like mega- or words like giant and massive.
- English English doesn’t have a full system for this like some languages, but uses these tools to express size and affection.
Which of these is NOT a common English diminutive form?
megastore
Megastore is an augmentative, not a diminutive. The others are common diminutive forms.
Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025
