Dwarf Meaning and Definition
Dwarf
Pronunciation
/dwarf/
Part of Speech
Noun or adjective
Definition
A diminutive plant or animal; a being of small stature; a mythical or fantasy creature that is smaller than average human size.
Examples
- The scientist studied the dwarf plant species.
- In mythology, dwarves are often depicted as skilled craftsmen and miners.
Synonyms
- Short
- Miniature
- Midget
Antonyms
- Giants
- Tall
Additional Information
In literature and folklore, dwarves are often characterized as being strong, resilient, and skilled in certain crafts. They are also often depicted as being fiercely proud of their heritage and traditions. In modern times, the term “dwarf” is also used to describe people of short stature.
Etymology
The word “dwarf” originates from the Old English word “dwerg”, which meant “short and stout”. This word is also related to the Germanic word “thuwere”, meaning “worker” or “craftsman”.
Usage Notes
The term “dwarf” can be used as a noun or adjective, and it is often used to describe something that is small in size or stature. However, it is important to use this term with sensitivity and respect, especially when referring to people who have dwarfism.
Cultural References
The concept of dwarves has been present in various cultures and mythologies throughout history. In Norse mythology, the dwarves were believed to be skilled craftsmen and were often depicted as being short and stout. In J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth legendarium, the dwarves were a race of stout and proud beings who were skilled in mining and smithcraft.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Some common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “dwarf” include “dwarfing” (meaning to overshadow or make something seem insignificant), “dwarf-like” (meaning small in size or stature), and “little people” (meaning people who are short in stature).
Related Words or Phrases
Other words or phrases that are related to “dwarf” include “midget”, “pygmy”, “runts”, and “small fry”.
Collocations
Some common collocations with the word “dwarf” include “dwarf planet”, “dwarf star”, “dwarf planetarium”, and “dwarfism”.
Frequency of Use
The word “dwarf” is relatively rare in everyday language, but it is often used in specialized contexts such as science, fantasy, and fiction.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of the word “dwarf” include “warf”, “wurf”, “wurfe”, and “dwarfie”.