Slim vs. Petite — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 18, 2023
Slim refers to a narrow, slender build, often implying leanness. Petite refers to a smaller, shorter stature, often used for women under 5'4". Both terms are related to body size, but Slim focuses on thinness, while Petite emphasizes shortness.
Difference Between Slim and Petite
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Key Differences
Slim and Petite are both terms used to describe body size, but they focus on different aspects. Slim often refers to individuals with a thin, narrow build and could be applied to people of any height. Petite, on the other hand, is commonly used to describe women who are shorter in stature, typically under 5'4".
Another important difference is the way clothing is tailored for Slim and Petite body types. Slim-fit clothing is designed to closely follow the body's contours, emphasizing leanness or a narrow shape. Petite clothing is not just about being smaller in size but also considers proportions, such as shorter sleeve lengths and shorter pant inseams.
The term Slim can also imply a certain kind of health or fitness level, although it's not necessarily a health-related term. People who are slim may or may not engage in regular exercise or healthy eating. Petite does not imply any particular level of health or fitness and is more an indicator of height and proportion.
The cultural implications of Slim and Petite also differ. In many Western cultures, slimness is often highly valued and associated with attractiveness. Petite, while often considered attractive, is not given the same level of cultural importance and doesn't carry the implication of fitness or health that slimness does.
Comparison Chart
Focus
Thinness
Shortness
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Height
Any
Usually <5'4"
Gender
Both
Mostly Women
Clothing
Slim-fit
Proportioned
Cultural Value
Fitness, Lean
Short, Cute
Compare with Definitions
Slim
Limited in quantity or amount.
We have a slim chance of winning.
Petite
Limited in size or quantity.
She only had a petite inheritance.
Slim
Narrow in width or diameter.
She slid the slim book into her bag.
Petite
In French, meaning "small" or "little".
The café offered a petite menu of select items.
Slim
Minimalistic or restrained in style or design.
The slim phone was elegant and simple.
Petite
Of a smaller or more delicate build than usual.
The petite dessert portions were just right.
Slim
(of a person or their build) gracefully thin; slender
Her slim figure
The girls were tall and slim
Petite
Short and small in stature, typically under 5'4" for women.
She was petite but had a strong presence.
Slim
(of something abstract, especially a chance or margin) very small
There was just a slim chance of success
A slim majority of sixteen
Petite
Designed for persons of shorter stature.
She bought a petite dress that fit perfectly.
Slim
Crafty, sly, or unscrupulous.
Petite
(of a woman) attractively small and dainty
She was petite and vivacious
Slim
Make oneself thinner, especially by dieting
If he's overweight, he should slim
Petite
Short and slender
This rack of clothing is for petite women.
Slim
A course or period of slimming
A sponsored slim
Petite
Small in size or scope; tiny
“a bagel that is fairly petite by today's standards” (Ed Levine).
Slim
A term used in parts of Africa to refer to AIDS.
Petite
A clothing size for short, slender women.
Slim
Small in girth or thickness in proportion to height or length; slender.
Petite
(especially of a woman) fairly short and of slim build.
Slim
Small in quantity or amount; meager
Slim chances of success.
Petite
(clothing) of small size.
Slim
To become or make slim.
Petite
Small, little; insignificant; petty.
Slim
To lose or cause to lose weight, as by dieting or exercise.
Petite
Small, little; of a woman or girl, of small size and trim figure.
Slim
Slender, thin.
Petite
A garment size for short or slender women
Slim
(of a person or a person's build) Slender in an attractive way.
Movie stars are usually slim, attractive, and young.
Petite
Very small;
Diminutive in stature
A lilliputian chest of drawers
Her petite figure
Tiny feet
The flyspeck nation of Bahrain moved toward democracy
Slim
Designed to make the wearer appear slim.
Slim
(of an object) Long and narrow.
Slim
(of a workforce) Of a reduced size, with the intent of being more efficient.
Slim
(of something abstract like a chance or margin) Very small, tiny.
I'm afraid your chances are quite slim.
Slim
Bad, of questionable quality; not strongly built, flimsy.
Slim
Sly, crafty.
Slim
A type of cigarette substantially longer and thinner than normal cigarettes.
I only smoke slims.
Slim
A potato farl.
Slim
AIDS, or the chronic wasting associated with its later stages.
Slim
Cocaine.
Slim
(intransitive) To lose weight in order to achieve slimness.
Slim
(transitive) To make slimmer; to reduce in size.
Slim
Worthless; bad.
Slim
Weak; slight; unsubstantial; poor; as, a slim argument.
Slim
Of small diameter or thickness in proportion to the height or length; slender; as, a slim person; a slim tree.
Slim
Take off weight
Slim
Being of delicate or slender build;
She was slender as a willow shoot is slender
A slim girl with straight blonde hair
Watched her slight figure cross the street
Slim
Small in quantity;
Slender wages
A slim chance of winning
A small surplus
Slim
Having a slender build with little excess fat.
He has a slim physique after months of exercise.
Slim
To reduce in size, amount, or quantity.
The company plans to slim down its workforce.
Common Curiosities
Is Petite mostly used for women?
Yes, Petite is commonly used to describe women's body type and clothing sizes.
Are Slim-fit clothes the same as Petite clothes?
No, Slim-fit focuses on a narrow build, while Petite considers shorter stature and proportions.
Can a person be both Slim and Petite?
Yes, a person can be both Slim and Petite, being both thin and short in stature.
What does Petite mean?
Petite generally refers to a shorter stature, commonly for women under 5'4".
Can Slim also mean something limited?
Yes, Slim can mean limited in quantity or amount, like a "slim chance".
What does Slim refer to?
Slim refers to a narrow, slender build, often implying leanness.
Can Slim be used for both genders?
Yes, Slim can be used to describe both men and women.
Is being Slim always considered healthy?
No, being Slim does not necessarily indicate good health or fitness.
Does Petite imply good health?
No, being Petite is not an indicator of health or fitness.
Does Petite refer to thinness?
No, Petite refers to height and overall size but not specifically to thinness.
Does Slim have any cultural implications?
In many Western cultures, being Slim is often valued and associated with attractiveness.
Can Petite be used for objects?
Yes, Petite can describe smaller-sized or delicately built objects.
Can Slim refer to objects as well?
Yes, Slim can describe objects that are narrow in width or minimalist in design.
What's the origin of Petite?
Petite comes from the French word for "small" or "little".
Does Petite have cultural significance?
While considered attractive, Petite doesn't carry the same level of cultural importance as Slim.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
