she is petite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she is petite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a woman who is small and slender in stature. Example: "Despite her small frame, she is incredibly strong and capable; she is petite but fierce."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

She is petite and polite.

The New Yorker

ANKARA — At 51, she is petite yet powerful.

The New York Times

She is petite, pretty in a pumpkin-colored leather jacket.

The New York Times

She is petite and dark, artfully dressed and accessorized.

The New York Times - Arts

She is petite, with short, fine hair, delicate features, and pearly teeth.

The New Yorker

WHILE she is petite, Shanaz Nagji is rarely timid, especially on the subway.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

She was petite.

The New York Times

"But she was petite.

The New York Times

She's petite, five-three, 110 pounds.

The New York Times - Magazine

She hated the fact that she was petite.

The New Yorker

She was in the run for little dogs... 'cause she's, well... ha! She's petite.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "she is petite" when you want to convey not only small size but also a sense of daintiness and elegance. Consider the context to ensure it's the most appropriate descriptor.

Common error

While "she is petite" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in formal or professional documents. Opt for more neutral terms like "small in stature" or "of slight build" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she is petite" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies the pronoun "she" to provide information about the subject's physical characteristics. As Ludwig AI points out, it is a common and grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "she is petite" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a woman who is small and slender. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used and accepted. While predominantly found in "News & Media", it also appears in other contexts. When using the phrase, it's important to consider the subtle connotations of daintiness and elegance, and whether they are appropriate for the specific context. If a more neutral description is needed, alternatives like "she is small in stature" or "she is of slight build" might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she is of slight build

Highlights the delicacy and slenderness of her physique.

she is lightly built

Similar to "slight build", but with less emphasis on fragility.

she is small in stature

Focuses on overall height rather than slenderness.

she has a tiny frame

Highlights the smallness of her body's structure.

she is daintily built

Emphasizes grace and elegance in addition to small size.

she is delicately framed

Suggests a fragile and refined physical appearance.

she is compactly built

Indicates a small yet well-proportioned body.

she is diminutive in size

A more formal way of expressing small stature.

she is miniature

Implies an extremely small size, possibly more diminutive than "petite".

she is undersized

Can imply being smaller than average or expected.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone is described as "she is petite"?

Describing someone as "she is petite" means they are small and slender in stature, often with a sense of daintiness or elegance. It's a generally complimentary way to describe a woman's size.

What can I say instead of "she is petite"?

You can use alternatives like "she is small in stature", "she is of slight build", or "she is daintily built" depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe someone as "she is petite" in a professional setting?

While generally acceptable, using "she is petite" in a professional setting depends on the context. It's often better to use more neutral and less descriptive terms like "small in stature" to avoid any potential for misinterpretation or perceived bias.

What are some other words that are similar in meaning to "she is petite"?

Words and phrases similar to "she is petite" include "small", "slender", "delicate", and "diminutive". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired emphasis.