Small
/smɔːl/noun
Of a size that is less than normal or usual.
Did you know?The Old English term for 'small' is related to the Old Norse word 'smár', which also had connotations of something that could hide or be concealed, linking it to ancient fears of the unseen.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*smal-
“to be small or narrow”
Old English
Old English
smeall
“little, narrow, or insignificant”
Old Norse
Old Norse
smár
“small, little, or minor”
Middle English
Middle English
smaal
“less in size, quantity, or importance”
Modern English
English
small
“of reduced size or amount, especially in comparison to what is usual or expected.”