Mini
/ˈmɪni/noun
A very small version of something.
Did you know?The modern English word comes from a clipped form of a 20th-century trademark and naming trend, not from a deep ancient root, so it’s a real word with a surprisingly modern origin story.
Etymological Timeline
20th Century
English
mini
“A clipped form used for something very small, especially in fashion and product names.”
20th Century
English
miniature
“A small-scale version or depiction, especially in art and design.”
Latin
Latin
minimus
“Smallest; least.”
Latin
Latin
minor
“Smaller; lesser.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mei-
“Small; less; to diminish.”