Small sprite within (5)
I believe the answer is:
elfin
'small' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'sprite within' is the wordplay.
'sprite' becomes 'elf' (an elf is a sprite).
'within' becomes 'in'.
'elf'+'in'='ELFIN'
(Other definitions for elfin that I've seen before include "Petite and charming" , "Delicately framed" , "little character" , "Like a mischievous fairy" , "Fairy-like" .)