WordGarden.iodwarfish
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /dwˈɔːfɪʃ/
US
- /dwˈɔːrfɪʃ/
Meanings
Adjective
unusually small, undersized, or stunted
resembling a person with dwarfism or very short stature; generally derogatory or outdated when applied to people
characteristic of dwarfs in folklore or fantasy
Beyond the definition
Imagine something notably small, often with a short, thick shape. That is often what "dwarfish" suggests. It does not simply mean small; it usually points to something that seems below normal size, sometimes as if its growth has been limited. In older writing, it can also mean having the look or qualities linked with a dwarf in folklore.
The word has an old-fashioned tone. It may describe a plant, animal, person, or object that is unusually small or stunted, such as a dwarfish tree growing in poor soil. It can also be used in a figurative way for something that seems small or limited when compared with what is expected. In modern everyday English, though, it is not very common.
"Dwarfish" describes something that is very small, especially in a way that suggests stunted growth, short height, or a compact build. It often means more than simply "small." It can suggest that something is below its usual or natural size, or that it has the short, thick form traditionally linked with a dwarf.
The word originally comes from the idea of a dwarf, so it may mean "like a dwarf" in appearance or form. Because of that background, it can carry an old, literary, or folklore-based feeling. You are more likely to meet it in older texts, fantasy writing, or careful descriptive prose than in casual conversation.
It can be used literally for living things or objects that are unusually small: a dwarfish tree, a dwarfish animal, or a dwarfish figure in the distance. It can also be used figuratively for something that seems small in importance, range, or effect. In that kind of use, the tone is often critical rather than kind.
The word is not common in present-day everyday English, and it can sound dated. Also, when it is used for a person, it may sound harsh or offensive, so modern writers often choose more precise and neutral words instead. In most cases, if something is described as "dwarfish," the idea is that it is strikingly small, somewhat stunted, or shaped in a short, compact way.
Examples
- 1
Story character
In the old story, a dwarfish guide led the travelers through the mine.
- 2
Stunted trees
Years of strong wind had left the trees on the hill bent and dwarfish.
- 3
Scale comparison
Standing beside the massive stone gate, we all looked almost dwarfish.
- Patternlook dwarfish
seem unusually small by comparison
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- dwarfishadjective