French

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Etymology

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From petit.

Pronunciation

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Prefix

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petit-

  1. grand-; indicates a relationship of ancestry one generation younger than the noun: petite-fille (granddaughter), petit-neveu (grandnephew).
    Antonym: grand-

Usage notes

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  • petit- in kin terms indicates only the younger generation; the older generation is indicated with grand-: grand-père (grandfather).
  • Unlike the prefix grand-, petit- is variable in gender and number: petites-filles (granddaughters).