The word "smaller" is spelled with two L's, but it can be confusing because the sound of the letters changes depending on where they appear in the word. The first L is pronounced with a "l" sound, while the second L is pronounced with a "uh" sound. This is demonstrated in the phonetic transcription: /ˈsmɔlər/. The first syllable is pronounced "smawl," and the second syllable is pronounced "uh-r." Remembering this difference in sound can help avoid misspelling the word as "smaler" or "smalerr."
Smaller is an adjective used to describe something or someone of reduced size or lesser dimensions when compared to others of its kind. It refers to being on the lesser end of a scale or spectrum in terms of physical extent or magnitude.
In the context of size, smaller implies a reduced or diminutive stature in comparison to something or someone larger. It suggests a lesser amount, volume, or mass, showcasing a sense of compactness or limited proportions. Being smaller can also imply a relative decrease in height, width, length, or weight.
This term extends beyond physical attributes and can also apply to concepts and abstract notions. It can refer to things that have lesser importance, significance, or impact when compared to others. In this sense, smaller is often used to describe something of lower rank, influence, or prominence.
In a comparative setting, "smaller" establishes a connection to a larger or main object being compared. It highlights the relative difference in size or magnitude, indicating the smaller object as being closer to the minimum end of the scale or range.
Overall, smaller is an adjective that emphasizes a reduced size, extent, or impact relative to other objects, individuals, or concepts. It conveys the idea of being diminished in physical dimensions or lesser in importance and significance.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word smaller is derived from the adjective small, which originated from the Old English word smæl. This Old English term, in turn, can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word smalaz, meaning small or narrow.