as petite as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as petite as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to make a comparison regarding someone's small size or stature, often in a simile format. Example: "She is as petite as a delicate flower, standing just over five feet tall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

She is as petite as the men are brawny.

The New York Times - Magazine

Even with the benefit of a pair of medium-heeled loafers he is as petite as legend maintains.

The Guardian - Music

Violent tendencies are also subdued by the works' precious scale: no bigger than 24 by 18 inches, with some as petite as 12 by 9.

The New York Times - Arts

GRETCHEN ZURN, a 30-year-old marketing executive as petite as a teenage gymnast, sipped from a glass of Coke, then inhaled deeply before uttering the words.

The New York Times - Style

Ms. Bogert, as petite as her cottage, spends her free time reading, cooking, listening to National Public Radio or tending her miniature herb garden and her fig tree and lemon tree.

The New York Times - Style

£129.99, morphyrichards.co.uk 9. My Kitchen Compact Bread Maker This machine is as petite as they come, so even if you live on a narrowboat or have the tiniest galley kitchen going, you can wake up to a fresh 1lb loaf every morning.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

And fittingly, he owns it with his girlfriend of 15 years, Sally Eisenberg, 33, an accountant who is as petite, at 5-foot-5, as he is tall (6-foot-4).

The New York Times

As distinctive as petite sirah is, it suffers serious identity problems.

The New York Times - Food

Even after carrying twins, she was as petite and slender as she had been when I met her.

The New Yorker

Most of them had brought wives or girlfriends with them, as petite and straw-boned as their mates were gigantic.

The New Yorker

The problem, though, is that if you start with four doors and two rows of seats, adding a large and truly useful cargo bed makes a truck about as petite and agile as a Greyhound bus.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as petite as" to add a touch of elegance and sophistication when describing something small and finely proportioned.

Common error

Avoid using "as petite as" interchangeably with "as thin as". Petite describes someone or something small and delicately formed, not necessarily slender.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as petite as" functions as a comparative construction, specifically a simile. It's used to draw a comparison emphasizing the small and delicately formed nature of a subject, relating it to another object or person known for similar qualities. Ludwig confirms this is proper usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as petite as" is a grammatically sound comparative phrase, used to describe something as being delicately small, often with an implication of elegance. Ludwig's examples showcase its prevalent use in News & Media. While the phrase is deemed correct, it's important to understand that "petite" is not just about smallness but also about fine proportions, differentiating it from simply "as small as". When crafting your writing, utilize this phrase to add a touch of sophistication, always being mindful of the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as small as

Focuses on general size rather than specifically 'petite' proportions.

as tiny as

Emphasizes extreme smallness and diminutiveness.

as diminutive as

Highlights a reduced or miniature form.

as compact as

Implies a small size combined with efficient arrangement.

as slight as

Emphasizes a delicate and insubstantial quality in addition to small size.

as mini as

A more informal way to indicate something is small, referring to a miniature version.

as little as

Focuses on a small quantity or amount.

as narrow as

Relates specifically to width and thinness.

no bigger than

Specifies an upper limit in size.

on a small scale like

Refers to the extent and scope rather than physical dimensions.

FAQs

How can I use "as petite as" in a sentence?

Use "as petite as" to compare the small and delicate size of something to another object or person. For example, "She is "as petite as a flower"."

What's the difference between "as petite as" and "as small as"?

"As small as" is a general term for size. "As petite as" implies not only smallness but also a delicate and finely formed quality.

When is it appropriate to use "as petite as"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize both the small size and the delicate, well-proportioned nature of something. It's often used to describe women or objects that are pleasingly small.

What are some alternatives to "as petite as"?

Alternatives include "as small as", "as tiny as", or "as delicate as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.