| 释义 |
diminutively, adv.|dɪˈmɪnjʊtɪvlɪ|
[f. prec. + -ly2.]
In a diminutive manner or degree.
1. In the way of diminution; so as to represent anything as small, or as less than it is: † extenuatingly, disparagingly, depreciatively (obs.).
1613F. Robartes Revenue of Gospel 125 They will cheerfully..say, It was but fiue pounds..It comes but once a yeare, I hope to recouer it by the grace of God. Thus diminutiuely and hopefully men mention any great charge, suitable to their owne humors. 1663Baxter Divine Life 175 Thinking diminutively of God's love and mercy. 1788F. Burney Diary July, I began to think less diminutively of that [room]. 1824L. Murray Eng. Gram. (ed. 5) I. 256 When I say, ‘There were few men with him’; I speak diminutively, and mean to represent them as inconsiderable: whereas, when I say, ‘There were a few men with him’; I evidently intend to make the most of them.
2. In a smaller or minute degree.
1750tr. Leonardus's Mirr. Stones 218 Prassius..has all the Virtues of the Emerald, tho' diminutively. |