What is diminutive? How to use in English

The word "diminutive" comes from the Latin "diminutus," which means "made smaller" or "reduced in size." In English, the word has been used since the 15th century to describe something that is small in size or extent. Initially, it was used to describe physical objects, such as "a diminutive book" or "a diminutive house." Over time, the word's meaning expanded to include non-physical things, like "a diminutive role" or "a diminutive personality." In literature, the term is often used to describe characters, situations, or events that are modest or unassuming, yet still pack a powerful punch. For example, in Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," Lady Catherine de Bourgh is described as having a "diminutive" beauty, suggesting that her physical appearance is unremarkable, yet her personality and social standing are not. The word "diminutive" has become a staple in the English language, used to convey a sense of subtlety, nuance, and quiet power.