What does lilliputian mean?
The word lilliputian refers to something or someone that is extremely small, often in a way that is considered delicate or precise. It can be used to describe objects, people, or even abstract concepts like profits or amounts. The term originates from Jonathan Swift's satirical novel Gulliver's Travels, which features a fictional land called Lilliput inhabited by tiny people. Lilliputian is often used in a neutral or positive sense, conveying a sense of wonder or curiosity about the smallness of something. However, it can also be used to emphasize the insignificance or triviality of something. Overall, lilliputian is a useful word for adding nuance and precision to descriptions of size and scale.
Extremely small; tiny.
"The lilliputian car was a toy model."
A person or thing that is extremely small.
"The lilliputians in the novel were no bigger than a thumb."
The plural form is used to refer to multiple people or things that are extremely small.
"The parade featured lilliputians dressed in costume."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of lilliputian
The word lilliputian originates from Jonathan Swift's 1726 novel Gulliver's Travels, which features a fictional land called Lilliput inhabited by tiny people. The term is derived from Lilliput, which was named after the lily-pad-like landscape of the fictional land. Swift's use of the term was likely meant to satirize the politics and society of his time. The word lilliputian has since been used to describe anything that is extremely small or tiny.
Usage notes
The term is often used to describe something that is not only small but also delicate or precise. It can also be used to convey a sense of wonder or curiosity.