Little
/ˈlɪtəl/
Definitions
3 meaningsSmall in size, amount, or degree; not much.
/ˈlɪtəl/
Small in size or degree; not much.
She had a little dog.
💡 Simply: Imagine a tiny toy car compared to a real one! That's little. It can also mean not having much of something, like only having a little bit of chocolate left.
👶 For kids: Being small or not much of something, like a little kitten or a little bit of food.
More Examples
There is little chance of rain today.
He ate a little bit of cake.
How It's Used
"The little bird chirped happily."
"I have very little time to spare."
To a small extent or degree; not much.
/ˈlɪtəl/
I little realized the consequences of my actions.
💡 Simply: Like, a little bit is how much. For example, I little understood (meaning 'hardly at all') the instructions.
👶 For kids: Not very much. I little liked the spinach.
More Examples
He little suspected what was about to happen.
How It's Used
"I only little understood the instructions."
"She little expected such a surprise."
A small amount or quantity of something.
/ˈlɪtəl/
A small amount.
Could you spare a little?
💡 Simply: It's just a small amount. Like a little bit of sugar in your tea.
👶 For kids: A tiny bit. Like, a little bit of water to drink.
How It's Used
"He gave a little of his time."
"I need a little help."
Idioms & expressions
a little bird told me
Used to say that you know something but do not want to reveal your source of information.
"Don't ask how I know, a little bird told me."
little by little
Gradually; in small increments.
"Little by little, he improved his French."
From Old English lȳtel, meaning 'small, few'. It has Germanic roots.
The word 'little' has been used in similar contexts since Old English times, evolving in its use and meaning over centuries, but always related to smallness.
Memory tip
Think of a tiny 'l' in a big word to remember 'little'.
Word Origin
"small, few"