A being that is much smaller than normal humans, often from folklore or fantasy
Examples:
A bonsai artist can dwarf a tree to create miniature landscapes.The skyscraper dwarfs its neighboring buildings effortlessly.He will never let challenges dwarf his ambitious dreams.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Midget
/ˈmɪdʒət/
A person of very short stature due to genetic or medical conditions; not typically used in a respectful manner
Examples:
The antique shop had a midget piano in the corner.She adored her midget bonsai trees, so petite and green.He collected midget cars as a hobby since childhood.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
Midget refers to a person who is of short stature but with body proportions typical of people of average height, whereas dwarf refers to someone who has a short stature because of a medical condition that causes disproportionate body parts.
Try to remember that midget deals with proportionality, so think of it as someone mid size but proportionally correct, while dwarf suggests disproportion.
Midget is often considered an outdated or offensive term, while dwarf is medically recognized.
Consider the midge in midget which could imply mini but proportional, whereas dwarf traditionally refers to mythical creatures with distinct proportions.
Remember, dwarf is scientifically used, often when discussing skeletal dysplasias.