Small vs. Tiny: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Small refers to a limited size or amount, less than average, while tiny implies something extremely small, much smaller than average.
Key Differences
Small is a relative term used to describe an object or entity that is below the average size or lesser in magnitude. Tiny, on the other hand, denotes something significantly smaller than small, often to a surprising or notable degree.
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Nov 30, 2023
In a physical context, 'small' is used for objects that are not large in size, but still perceptibly notable. 'Tiny' describes objects that are so small they may be difficult to notice or require close examination.
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When used metaphorically, 'small' can indicate a minor degree or a lesser extent in non-physical dimensions, such as a small problem. 'Tiny' in a metaphorical sense suggests an even more insignificant or negligible amount or degree.
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'Small' is a more general and subjective term, which can vary greatly in its application based on context. 'Tiny' is more specific, often indicating a size at the very lower end of a scale.
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'Small' can sometimes have a more neutral connotation, whereas 'tiny' can emphasize the extreme smallness of something, often evoking a sense of wonder or diminutiveness.
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Comparison Chart
Physical Context
Not large, but perceptibly present
So small it may be hard to notice
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Metaphorical Use
Minor degree or lesser extent
Insignificant or negligible amount
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Subjectivity
More general and variable
More specific, indicating extreme smallness
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Connotation
Neutral or less intense
Emphasizes extreme smallness, often with wonder
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Small and Tiny Definitions
Small
Small refers to being of a size that is less than average.
She moved into a small apartment.
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Tiny
Tiny can describe something extremely diminutive.
A tiny insect crawled on the leaf.
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Small
Small can mean limited in importance or magnitude.
The meeting addressed some small issues.
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Tiny
Tiny may also refer to a very short duration.
He paused for a tiny moment before responding.
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Small
Small might indicate a young age or early stage.
He started playing the violin when he was still small.
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Tiny
Tiny means very small in size or amount.
She found a tiny crack in the window.
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Small
Small can also mean not extensive or significant.
There's only a small difference between the two models.
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Tiny
Tiny often implies a degree of cuteness due to smallness.
The tiny kitten fit in the palm of her hand.
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Small
Small may imply modest or limited in scale.
They run a small family business.
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Tiny
Tiny can indicate being of minor or negligible importance.
There's only a tiny chance of rain today.
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Tiny
Extremely small
The glass shattered into tiny shards that were hard to clean up.
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Small
Being below average in quantity or extent
A small donation.
A small project.
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Small
Having limited position, influence, or status; minor
"A crowd of small writers had vainly attempted to rival Addison" (Thomas Macaulay).
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Small
Unpretentious; modest
Made a small living.
Helped the cause in my own small way.
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Tiny
Very small;
Diminutive in stature
A lilliputian chest of drawers
Her petite figure
Tiny feet
The flyspeck nation of Bahrain moved toward democracy
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Small
A part that is smaller or narrower than the rest
The small of the back.
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Small
Not large or big; insignificant; few in number.
A small serving of ice cream.
A small group.
He made us all feel small.
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Small
(figuratively) Young, as a child.
Remember when the children were small?
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Small
Humiliated or insignificant.
The bullies had succeeded in making him feel small.
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Small
Not prolonged in duration; not extended in time; short.
A small space of time
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Small
That is small the manufactured size.
I'll have a small coffee, thanks.
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Small
An item labelled or denoted as being that size.
Two smalls and a large, please.
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Small
Any part of something that is smaller or slimmer than the rest, now usually with anatomical reference to the back.
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Small
Having little size, compared with other things of the same kind; little in quantity or degree; diminutive; not large or extended in dimension; not great; not much; inconsiderable; as, a small man; a small river.
To compareGreat things with small.
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Small
Being of slight consequence; feeble in influence or importance; unimportant; trivial; insignificant; as, a small fault; a small business.
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Small
Envincing little worth or ability; not large-minded; - sometimes, in reproach, paltry; mean.
A true delineation of the smallest man is capable of interesting the greatest man.
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Small
Not prolonged in duration; not extended in time; short; as, after a small space.
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Small
The small or slender part of a thing; as, the small of the leg or of the back.
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Small
Limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent;
A little dining room
A little house
A small car
A little (or small) group
A small voice
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Small
Limited in size or scope;
A small business
A newspaper with a modest circulation
Small-scale plans
A pocket-size country
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Small
Low or inferior in station or quality;
A humble cottage
A lowly parish priest
A modest man of the people
Small beginnings
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Small
Not large but sufficient in size or amount;
A modest salary
Modest inflation
Helped in my own small way
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Small
Slight or limited; especially in degree or intensity or scope;
A series of death struggles with small time in between
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Small
Made to seem smaller or less (especially in worth);
Her comments made me feel small
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Small
Lowercase;
Little a
Small a
E.e.cummings's poetry is written all in minuscule letters
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can small be subjective?
Yes, small is a relative term and can be subjective.
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Nov 30, 2023
Is tiny always about physical size?
Tiny usually refers to physical size, but can also be used metaphorically.
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Does small imply negativity?
Small is neutral and does not inherently imply negativity.
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Can small refer to age?
Yes, small can indicate young age or an early stage.
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What contexts suit 'small'?
Small is suitable for many contexts, from physical size to significance.
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In what situations is 'tiny' used?
Tiny is used to emphasize extremely small size or insignificance.
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What does small mean?
Small refers to a size or amount that is below average.
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How does tiny relate to detail?
Tiny can refer to details so small they require close inspection.
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Can tiny have a positive connotation?
Yes, tiny can be positive, often evoking cuteness or charm.
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What is the difference between small and tiny in measurements?
Small is less than average, while tiny is at the extreme lower end.
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Can small and tiny be used interchangeably?
While similar, they are not always interchangeable due to the degree of size.
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How do small and tiny differ in impact?
Small has a less intense impact compared to the emphasis of tiny.
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Is small used in a technical context?
Yes, it can be used in various technical and non-technical contexts.
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How do small and tiny compare in everyday language?
Small is more common and general, while tiny is used for emphasizing extreme smallness.
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Nov 30, 2023
Does tiny imply a lower limit in size?
Tiny suggests a size at the very lower end of a scale.
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Does tiny mean insignificant?
Tiny can mean insignificant, but context matters.
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Can businesses be described as tiny?
Yes, particularly to emphasize their very small scale.
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Does tiny only refer to physical objects?
Primarily, but it can also describe time, amounts, or importance.
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Nov 30, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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