pygmy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal when referring to people; informal or literary when used metaphorically.
Quick answer
What does “pygmy” mean?
A member of certain ethnic groups in Central Africa characterized by short stature, or something very small in size.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A member of certain ethnic groups in Central Africa characterized by short stature, or something very small in size.
Used to describe anything that is disproportionately small or insignificant compared to others of its kind.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in spelling or pronunciation. Both use 'pygmy'.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both dialects, but awareness of sensitivity may vary.
Frequency
Equally rare in both British and American English, with similar frequency in anthropological and metaphorical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “pygmy” in a Sentence
[as noun] pygmy + of + group[as adjective] pygmy + nounVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pygmy” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The pygmy shrew is one of the smallest mammals.
- They discovered a pygmy tribe in the rainforest.
American English
- The pygmy rabbit is a small species found in the US.
- He felt like a pygmy in the corporate world.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; if so, metaphorically to describe a small company in a market dominated by giants.
Academic
Common in anthropology and biology to refer to specific ethnic groups or species of small size.
Everyday
Used informally to describe something very small, e.g., 'pygmy shrew' or 'pygmy size'.
Technical
In zoology, for species like 'pygmy hippopotamus'; in anthropology, for Central African groups.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pygmy”
- Misspelling as 'pigmy'
- Using it without capitalization when referring to ethnic groups
- Using it in a derogatory way for people of short stature.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When referring to people, it can be sensitive. It's best to use specific ethnic group names or avoid it unless in anthropological contexts.
It is pronounced /ˈpɪɡmi/ in both British and American English.
No, 'pygmy' is primarily used as a noun and adjective, not as a verb.
'Pygmy' often refers to ethnic groups or species, while 'dwarf' can be more general but both can be offensive when referring to people. In mythology, 'dwarf' has specific connotations.
A member of certain ethnic groups in Central Africa characterized by short stature, or something very small in size.
Pygmy is usually formal when referring to people; informal or literary when used metaphorically. in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'pig' and 'my' – imagine a very small pig that belongs to me, to remember 'pygmy' means small.
Conceptual Metaphor
SMALL IS INSIGNIFICANT, as in 'a pygmy in the world of giants'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'pygmy'?