| Subject: |
Re: What's the difference? |
| Author: |
chazda (guest, 24.175.40.226) |
| Date: |
August 30, 2004 at 8:30:35 PM |
| Reply to: |
Re: What's the difference? by Array |
"Diminutive" form usually means part of a word is added or changed .. like adding "et" to Jane to get Janet or Janette. Janelle, too. It also describes names like Jamie, diminutive of James.
In some languages a diminutive has a definite form, like -ita or -ito in Spanish, or (I think) -an in Irish (see the entry for Ryan), which changes the meaning of the name from [meaning] to "little [meaning]".
Diminutives and pet forms are not readily distinguishable in English. At least not to me.
- chazda
| Because this message is archived you cannot respond to it. |
Post a Message
Search
Help/Rules/FAQ
Archives
Board Home
Other Boards