small

English

/smɔːl/, /smɔl/, /smɑl/, /smɑl/, /smoːl/

adj
Definitions
  • Not large or big; insignificant; few in number.
  • (figuratively) Young, as a child.
  • (writing) Minuscule or lowercase, referring to written or printed letters.
  • Envincing little worth or ability; not large-minded; paltry; mean.
  • Not prolonged in duration; not extended in time; short.
  • (archaic) Slender, gracefully slim.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English smal inherited from Old English smæl (small, narrow, slender) inherited from Proto-Germanic *smalaz (small) derived from Proto-Indo-European *(s)mal-.

Origin

Proto-Indo-European

*(s)mal-

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms