Definition of smallness

The word "smallness" has its roots in Old English and Middle English. The earliest recorded uses of the word "smallness" can be traced back to the 9th century. It is believed to have evolved from the Old English word "smalle", which meant " little" or "small". This Old English word is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*smaliz", which is also the source of the Modern English word "small". During the Middle English period (circa 1100-1500), the word "smallness" was used to describe a state or condition of being small. The noun "smallness" was often used in conjunction with other words to convey a sense of inadequacy or inferiority, such as "smallness of stature" or "smallness of mind". Over time, the meaning of "smallness" has expanded to include other connotations, such as brevity, pettiness, or insignificance. Today, the word "smallness" is used in a variety of contexts to describe physical or metaphorical dimensions.