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Petite - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Petite describes someone or something that is small and delicately built, often referring to a person’s slender or diminutive stature. It can also describe clothing designed for smaller frames.

petite

/pəˈtit/ /pəˈtiːt/

Definition:

(of a woman) attractively small and dainty in size or build.

Synonyms:

small, dainty, diminutive, slight, tiny

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

large, tall, hefty

Common Collocations:

petite frame, petite size, petite woman, petite dress

Derivatives:

petiteness, petitely

Usage Tips:

Use "petite" to describe a woman or clothing designed for small body frames; avoid for objects or men unless contextually appropriate.

Common Phrases:

petite bourgeoisie, petite mort, petite sirah

Etymology:

Borrowed from French "petite," feminine form of "petit," meaning "small," from Latin "pitinnus."

Examples:

  • 1. She wore a petite dress that fit her perfectly.
  • 2. The boutique specializes in clothing for petite women.
  • 3. Her petite frame made her look younger than she was.
  • 4. He admired her petite hands as she played the piano.

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