A diminutive is a word form that conveys smallness or endearment. It can refer to a smaller version of something, a nickname or affectionate form of a name, or a shortened/modified version of a word. Key senses:

• Size or degree: A diminutive form indicates something is small or lesser in size or importance.
• Affection or familiarity: Diminutives are often used to express closeness, tenderness, or informal speech (for example, nicknames or pet names).
• Word-formation: Diminutives are created using suffixes (such as -let, -kin, -ling in English) or prefixes (such as mini-), or by clipping forms of longer names (e.g., Jim from James, Peggy from Margaret).

Common examples:

• Size: kitchenette (a small kitchen), booklets (small books)
• Affection: piglet (a young pig), duckling (a young duck)
• Name forms: Billy (William), Jen (Jennifer)

If you’d like, I can tailor examples to a specific language (e.g., English, Spanish, or another) and show how diminutives are formed in that language.