dwarfs
|dwarf|
🇺🇸
/dwɔrf/
🇬🇧
/dwɔːf/
(dwarf)
small stature
Etymology
'dwarf' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'dweorg', and from Proto-Germanic '*dwergaz' (related to Old Norse 'dvergr').
'dwarf' changed from Old English 'dweorg' and Old Norse 'dvergr' through Middle English forms such as 'dwarf' and eventually became the modern English word 'dwarf'.
Initially, it referred to a mythic or folkloric being (often associated with underground crafts); over time it came also to denote smallness in biological and astronomical contexts and developed verb senses meaning 'to make seem small' or 'to stunt growth'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a member of a race of small, often mythical humanoid beings (frequently associated with mining, smithing, or living underground).
The old tale described dwarfs who mined gems beneath the mountain.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a person or animal that is significantly smaller than the typical size for the species; a person with dwarfism.
In the community, dwarfs organized support groups for each other.
Synonyms
Noun 3
in astronomy, a star or planet that is small relative to others of its class (e.g., dwarf star, dwarf planet).
The catalog lists several nearby dwarfs of various spectral types.
Synonyms
Verb 1
to cause something to seem small or unimportant by comparison; to overshadow.
The new stadium dwarfs the old arena, making it look tiny.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/18 18:02