diminutif

diminutive

noun dee-mee-nyoo-TEEF Rare

Origin: Latin diminutivus, from diminuere, to lessen

Also means

nickname

Usage Note

Diminutif in French refers both to a shortened or affectionate form of a name (e.g. Alex for Alexandre) and to a linguistic diminutive suffix. In grammar, French diminutives are formed with suffixes like -et/-ette or -ot/-ote. As an adjective it means 'diminutive' in the sense of very small.

Examples

"'Riri' est un diminutif de 'Henri'."

Natural Translation

'Riri' is a diminutive of 'Henri'.

Related Words

Explore French by topic

FrenchNow

Passé Composé vs Imparfait: When to Use Each

Passé composé tells the story; imparfait paints the scene. Use this 2-second flowchart, trigger words, and paired examples to pick the right French tense.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

French Object Pronouns: le, la, lui, leur Order

Le lui or lui le? Use the à-name test to pick le/la vs lui/leur, then one slot chart to order two French object pronouns — plus the command exception.

June 4, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

How to Pronounce the French R (Step by Step)

The French R is a back-of-the-throat sound, not a rolled R. Learn the exact tongue position and a step-by-step drill to build it from sounds you already make.

June 4, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

French Silent Letters: The CaReFuL Rule

Final consonants in French are silent by default — except C, R, F, L. The CaReFuL rule, the silent -e, the plural-s trap, and liaison, explained simply.

June 4, 2026 5 min read