dwarf

/dwɔːf//dwɔɹf/
🔵 Intermediate

Word Statistics

Difficulty LevelIntermediate

Standard vocabulary

Word FrequencyVery Common

Used frequently in everyday conversation

Syllables1

Simple pronunciation

Analysis:

  • Common vocabulary word
  • Simple pronunciation

noun

1. Any member of a race of beings from (especially Scandinavian and other Germanic) folklore, usually depicted as having some sort of supernatural powers and being skilled in crafting and metalworking, often as short with long beards, and sometimes as clashing with elves.

2. A person of short stature, often one whose limbs are disproportionately small in relation to the body as compared with normal adults, usually as the result of a genetic condition.

Synonyms: midget, pygmy (imprecise)
Antonyms: ettin, giant

3. An animal, plant or other thing much smaller than the usual of its sort.

"dwarf honeysuckle"

Synonyms: runt

4. A star of relatively small size.

Synonyms

Antonyms

verb

1. To render (much) smaller, turn into a dwarf (version).

Synonyms: miniaturize, shrink

2. To make appear (much) smaller, puny, tiny.

"The newly-built skyscraper dwarfs all older buildings in the downtown skyline."

3. To make appear insignificant.

"Bach dwarfs all other composers."

Synonyms: eclipse, outdo, outmatch, outshadow, outshine, outstrip, overshadow, put to shame, surpass, upstage

4. To become (much) smaller.

Synonyms: shrink

5. To hinder from growing to the natural size; to make or keep small; to stunt.

Synonyms

adjective

1. Miniature.

"It is possible to grow the plants as dwarf as one desires."

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