Lilliputian means extremely small, tiny, or diminutive. It can also refer to something petty or trivial. The word originates from Jonathan Swift's famous novel, Gulliver's Travels, where Lilliput is a fictional land inhabited by tiny people.
Understanding the Dual Meaning of Lilliputian
The term "Lilliputian" possesses a double meaning:
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Physical Size: This is the most common understanding. Lilliputian describes something incredibly small in physical size. Think of a Lilliputian dollhouse, a Lilliputian insect, or even a Lilliputian amount of rainfall. Examples from various dictionaries confirm this:
- Merriam-Webster: "of, relating to, or characteristic of the Lilliputians or the island of Lilliput." This directly connects the word to its origin, implying small size.
- Dictionary.com: "extremely small; tiny; diminutive." This clearly defines the size aspect.
- Cambridge Dictionary: "extremely small." A concise and direct definition.
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Importance or Significance: Beyond physical size, "Lilliputian" can also describe something insignificant or trivial in terms of importance or impact. This meaning stems from the contrast between Gulliver's size and the Lilliputians', highlighting the relative insignificance of their problems compared to his. For example:
- Dictionary.com: "petty; trivial: Our worries are Lilliputian when compared with those of people whose nations are at war." This illustrates the secondary meaning.
- Collins English Dictionary: This dictionary includes both definitions: "tiny; very small" and "petty or trivial."
Examples of Lilliputian in a Sentence:
- "The child's drawing was charmingly Lilliputian in its detail." (Referring to size)
- "Our problems seemed Lilliputian compared to the global challenges faced by other countries." (Referring to insignificance)
The word's versatility allows it to be used effectively in various contexts to emphasize either extreme smallness or relative unimportance. Understanding both meanings provides a fuller comprehension of its usage.
