pequeñez
Lemma Details
Translation: smallness; tininess; pettiness; trifle; minor matter
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from 'pequeño' (small) + the suffix '-ez' which forms abstract nouns. The suffix '-ez' comes from Latin '-itia' or '-itie', which formed abstract nouns from adjectives. The word 'pequeño' itself likely comes from a Vulgar Latin form '*pikkinnus', possibly of Celtic origin. The diminutive concept is central to Spanish expression, with various suffixes (-ito, -illo, etc.) creating nuanced meanings around size and affection.
Commonality: 40%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
No te preocupes por esa pequeñez.
Don't worry about that trifle.
La pequeñez del apartamento lo hace más acogedor.
The smallness of the apartment makes it cozier.
Me sorprendió la pequeñez de sus ambiciones.
I was surprised by the pettiness of his ambitions.
Esa discusión es una pequeñez comparada con nuestros verdaderos problemas.
That argument is a minor matter compared to our real problems.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'pequeñez' as 'pequeño' (small) with a sneeze at the end (-ez), suggesting something so small it barely registers.
- The '-ez' ending makes abstract nouns in Spanish (like 'niñez' from 'niño'), so 'pequeñez' is the abstract quality of being 'pequeño' (small).
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish culture, 'pequeñez' can be used both literally to refer to physical smallness and figuratively to describe trivial matters or pettiness. The concept often appears in expressions about not sweating the small stuff or, conversely, in criticisms of those who focus too much on minor details.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Pequeñez' is a noun referring to the quality of smallness or a trivial matter, while 'pequeñito' is a diminutive adjective meaning 'very small' or 'tiny'.
This word:
No deberíamos discutir por una pequeñez como esta.
We shouldn't argue over a trifle like this.
Notes: While both relate to smallness, 'pequeñez' conceptualizes it as a quality or state, whereas 'pequeñito' describes something as being very small.
Mnemonic: 'Pequeñez' ends with '-ez' like other abstract nouns (madurez, vejez), while 'pequeñito' ends with '-ito' like other diminutives (perrito, gatito).
Explanation: While 'pequeñez' can mean 'pettiness' in some contexts, 'mezquindad' specifically refers to stinginess, meanness, or pettiness of character.
Confused word:
Su mezquindad le impide compartir con los demás.
His stinginess prevents him from sharing with others.
Notes: Both can translate to 'pettiness' in English, but 'mezquindad' has stronger negative moral connotations.
Mnemonic: Think of 'pequeñez' as physical or conceptual smallness, while 'mezquindad' is moral smallness (meanness).