What does small mean?
Small is a common adjective describing something that is physically less than usual in size or limited in amount, scale, degree, or capacity. It can also imply lesser importance, status, influence, or strength, as in a small business, a small portion, or speaking in a small voice. Its connotations are often modest and unpretentious rather than merely diminutive, although in everyday use it may simply convey size. The adverb is less common and generally informal, especially in the expression “think small,” meaning to choose a modest or cautious approach. The uncommon noun denotes a person considered insignificant, while the rare verb means to make something smaller. Small is useful because it expresses relative scale and can also subtly characterize the significance or social standing of a person, thing, or group.
Less than usual or comparatively little in size, amount, scale, degree, importance, or strength.
"The village has a small population and a beautiful medieval church."
It may indicate literal size, a limited quantity, or minor social significance.
In a limited, modest, or restricted way.
"If you want to build a successful business, you have to think small at first."
This use is comparatively uncommon and chiefly informal.
A person regarded as unimportant or of little influence.
"The novel contrasts the political decisions of the great with the daily struggles of the small."
This noun is uncommon and occurs chiefly in literary or archaic contexts.
To make smaller in size or scale.
"The manufacturer can small the housing without reducing its cooling capacity."
This is an uncommon formal and technical use.
The plural is uncommon and is used chiefly for the noun sense meaning insignificant people.
"The author portrays the political smalls of the period with unusual sympathy."
The word “small” enters English through Old English smæl and survives in cognates across Germanic languages, from German schmal to Swedish små.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does small come from?
The word descends from Old English smæl, meaning little or not great in size. It reflects Proto-Germanic *smalaz, a form also represented in cognates such as German schmal, Swedish små, and Icelandic smál. Old English used the word for physical size as well as lesser importance, and these senses developed into the modern adjective, adverb, noun, and verb.
Related word forms
How small is actually used
The adjective is the ordinary modern use. The noun is uncommon but literary or archaic in its sense of an unimportant person. The verb is uncommon, and the adverb is chiefly informal in expressions such as “think small.”
Easily confused with small
Small describes size or scale, whereas smell refers to the faculty or sensation of detecting odours.