The adjective for 'small' or 'little' covers physical size ('small in stature'), youth or insignificance, and can serve as reproach ('Kleigenes the small'). Comedy uses it hyperbolically: 'a very tiny little law-court.' The phrase 'small to see' means hard to see. It contrasts with μέγας throughout Greek literature. Dialectal variation between σμικρός and μικρός reflects regional pronunciation, with Attic inscriptions preserving the sigma initial. The word applies literally to physical objects and metaphorically to social standing.