Smalish

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Rather small or slightly below the typical size of its kind, though not quite tiny
2. Moderately little in size, falling a bit short of what would be considered average
3. Of a size that is on the small side, noticeably less than most others of its sort

Etymology: "Smalish" is a straightforward formation: the adjective "small" with the suffix "-ish", which English attaches to adjectives to mean "somewhat" or "rather" (as in "reddish" or "tallish"). The suffix itself is Old English in origin, descending from the same root that gives German "-isch", and it has been used to form adjectives since Old English times. Its use with "small" is the notable part. "Small" is already a comparative-free adjective that marks something as little in size, and adding "-ish" softens it into a hedged judgement, something a speaker can use when they want to avoid the blunt "small" while still being vague about degree. The word therefore sits comfortably alongside a whole family of similar hedged adjectives, such as "oldish" and "greenish", that people form on the spot whenever they need one.

Synonyms: small, little, petite

Antonyms: large, big, huge