of limited size; of comparatively restricted dimensions; not big; little:a small box.
slender, thin, or narrow:a small waist.
not large as compared with others of the same kind:a small elephant.
(of letters) lower-case (def. 1).
not great in amount, degree, extent, duration, value, etc.:a small salary.
not great numerically:a small army.
of low numerical value; denoted by a low number.
having but little land, capital, power, influence, etc., or carrying on business or some activity on a limited scale:a small enterprise.
of minor importance, moment, weight, or consequence:a small problem.
humble, modest, or unpretentious:small circumstances.
characterized by or indicative of littleness of mind or character; mean-spirited; petty:a small, miserly man.
of little strength or force:a small effort.
(of sound or the voice) gentle; with little volume.
very young:when I was a small boy.
diluted; weak.
feel small, to be ashamed or mortified:Her unselfishness made me feel small.
adv.
in a small manner:They talked big but lived small.
into small pieces:Slice the cake small.
in low tones; softly.
n.
something that is small:Do you prefer the small or the large?
a small or narrow part, as of the back.
those who are small:Democracy benefits the great and the small.
smalls, small goods or products.
smalls, [Brit.]
underclothes.
household linen, as napkins, pillowcases, etc.
smalls, [Brit. Informal.]the responsions at Oxford University.
Miningsmalls, coal, ore, gangue, etc., in fine particles.
bef. 900; Middle English smale (adjective, adjectival, noun, nominal, and adverb, adverbial), Old English smæl; cognate with Dutch smal, German schmal
small′ness, n.
1.See corresponding entry in Unabridged tiny. See little.
2.See corresponding entry in Unabridged slight.
1, 3.See corresponding entry in Unabridged
5.See corresponding entry in UnabridgedSmaller,less indicate a diminution, or not so large a size or quantity in some respect. Smaller, as applied to concrete objects, is used with reference to size:smaller apples.Less is used of material in bulk, with reference to amount, and in cases where attributes such as value and degree are in question:A nickel is less than a dime(in value). A sergeant is less than a lieutenant (in rank). As an abstraction, amount may be either smaller or less, though smaller is usually used when the idea of size is suggested:a smaller opportunity.Less is used when the idea of quantity is present:less courage.