What is tiny? Pronunciation and usage in English

tiny means . Learn how to pronounce and use tiny through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of tiny

tinyadjective

/ˈtʌɪni/
Definition & pronunciation of tiny

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "tiny" in English. Here's the breakdown:

Pronunciation: /ˈtɑː.ni/ (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet)

Here's a more detailed explanation:

  • "ti": Pronounced like "tee" - as in the letter.
  • "ny": This is the tricky part! It's a single sound, not two separate "n" and "y" sounds. Think of it like the "ny" in "canyon" or "funny". It's a nasal sound – air comes out through your nose as you say it. It's almost like you're almost saying "nigh" but subtly different.

Here’s how it sounds:

  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it!
    • Google: Search “how to pronounce tiny” on Google and listen to audio examples from Merriam-Webster, Cambridge, or other reliable dictionaries.
    • YouTube: Search "how to pronounce tiny" on YouTube for videos demonstrating the sound.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Focus on the nasal "ny" sound: This is the most important part. Practice saying "ny" by itself.
  • Don't overemphasize the "ny": It's a subtle sound, not a shouted "ny!"
  • Keep it short and sweet: “Tiny” is a brief word, so don't draw it out too much.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some more words with similar sounds ("ny") to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word tiny in English

Let's break down how to use the word "tiny" effectively in English. It's a wonderfully versatile word, but it's important to use it correctly to convey the right meaning.

1. Basic Meaning: Extremely Small

At its core, "tiny" means extremely small. It's smaller than "small," and often smaller than "little."

  • Example: "The baby bird was tiny and fragile."
  • Example: "She wore a tiny silver bracelet."

2. How to Use It – Different Contexts & Nuances

Here's a breakdown of how you can use "tiny" in different situations:

  • Describing Size (Most Common): This is where it’s most frequently used.

    • "A tiny house" – Very small dwelling.
    • "A tiny flower" – A small flower.
    • "I found a tiny speck of dust on the table." - An extremely small amount of dust.

  • Describing Quantity (Small Amount):

    • "I only have tiny amounts of time left." - A small quantity of time.
    • "They offered me tiny samples of the cake." - Small portions of cake.

  • Describing Details (Subtle Features):

    • "He had tiny wrinkles around his eyes." - Small wrinkles.
    • "The car had tiny headlights." - Very small headlights.

  • Expressing Emotion/Feeling (Often Figurative): “Tiny” can be used to describe a small, precious feeling, memory, or detail. This is where it gets a bit more evocative.

    • "I have a tiny memory of that day." – A fleeting, almost forgotten memory.
    • "He gave me a tiny smile." – A small, sweet smile.
    • "It filled me with a tiny sense of peace." - A small feeling of calm.

3. Comparisons & Intensifiers

  • “So tiny” / “Extremely tiny”: To really emphasize the smallness. "It was so tiny I almost missed it!"

  • “Tiny little”: Often used together for added emphasis. “She had tiny little hands.”

4. Things to Avoid (Common Mistakes)

  • Don’t use it to mean “very”: "Tiny" isn’t a general intensifier like “very.” It’s specifically about small size. Instead of "very small," use "small."
  • Don't overuse it: Repeatedly using "tiny" can sound repetitive. Variety in your descriptions is good.

5. Synonyms (Words with Similar Meanings)

  • Small
  • Miniature
  • Minute
  • Petite
  • Little
  • Diminutive

Examples Putting It All Together:

  • "The tiny kitten curled up in my lap, purring softly." (Describing size)
  • "She kept tiny notes of her thoughts in a little notebook.” (Describing quantity and detail)
  • "The painting captured a tiny moment of joy.” (Figurative – emphasizing the smallness of the moment)

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say? (e.g., a story, a description, an email?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you’re considering using “tiny”?

Synonyms for the word tiny

Idioms of the word tiny

the patter of tiny feet
(informal or humorous)a way of referring to children when somebody wants, or is going to have, a baby
  • We can't wait to hear the patter of tiny feet.

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