little
little
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "little" can vary slightly depending on dialect, but commonly includes:
American English (with a "flapped t"): /ˈlɪt.əl/ or /ˈlɪ.tl̩/
British English (with a clear "t"): /ˈlɪt.l̩/
Breaking down the sounds for /ˈlɪt.əl/:
/ˈlɪt/
/əl/
Word Form Variations
Adjective: little (positive), less/lesser (comparative), least (superlative)
Adverb: little (positive), less (comparative), least (superlative)
Noun: little (singular, informal, often referring to a small amount or item), littles (plural, informal, often referring to children)
Verb: (No direct verb form in common use)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective
Definition 1: Small in size, amount, or degree.
Synonyms: small, tiny, diminutive, miniature, minute, slight
Antonyms: big, large, huge, enormous, great, vast
Definition 2: Young or younger, especially of a child or animal.
Synonyms: young, youthful, junior, fledgling
Antonyms: old, adult, mature, elder
Definition 3: Trivial, insignificant, or unimportant.
Synonyms: minor, trivial, insignificant, negligible, paltry, petty
Antonyms: important, significant, major, crucial, essential
Definition 4: Short in duration; brief.
Synonyms: brief, short, quick, fleeting, momentary
Antonyms: long, extended, prolonged, lengthy
Adverb
Definition 1: To a small extent; not much.
Synonyms: slightly, scarcely, barely, hardly, minimally
Antonyms: much, greatly, considerably, extensively, enormously
Definition 2: Rarely or infrequently.
Synonyms: seldom, rarely, infrequently, uncommonly
Antonyms: often, frequently, regularly, commonly
Noun
Definition 1 (informal): A small amount or portion of something.
Synonyms: bit, drop, piece, fraction, smidgen
Antonyms: lot, much, abundance, plenty, entirety
Definition 2 (informal, often plural "littles"): A child or young person.
Synonyms: child, kid, youngster, tot, tyke
Antonyms: adult, grown-up, elder
Examples of Use
Books:
"Every little thing he did seemed to irritate her, from the way he chewed to his incessant humming." (Fictional example from a romance or drama novel)
"The analysis revealed that only a little change in temperature could significantly impact the delicate ecosystem." (From a non-fiction scientific text)
"She bought her little brother a toy car for his birthday, wrapped in bright paper." (Fictional example from a children's book or family drama)
Newspapers:
"Despite the challenges, the community made little progress in clearing the debris after the storm." ("The Standard,")
"A little-known local artist is making waves internationally with her unique sculptures." ("Daily Nation,’’)
"Even a little drop in voter turnout could influence the outcome of the upcoming by-election." ("The New York Times,’’)
Online Publications:
"Five little habits that can transform your productivity and well-being." (An article on a self-improvement blog, e.g., "Lifehack.org,")
"The new software update offered little in terms of major new features, focusing instead on bug fixes." (A tech review on "Ars Technica,")
"Our guide to creating a cozy reading nook for your little ones." (A parenting blog post, e.g., "Mommy Blog,")
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "Just a little bit of magic can change everything." (Dialogue from a fantasy film, e.g., Mary Poppins)
Television Series: "We have very little time before the bomb explodes!" (Urgent dialogue in an action or thriller series, e.g., 24)
Song Lyrics: "Every little thing she does is magic, everything she do just turns me on." (From The Police's song "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," 1981)
Video Games: "You've only got a little health left! Find a medkit!" (In-game warning to the player, e.g., Doom)
Podcasts: "In this segment, we discuss the little-known history behind everyday inventions." (A podcast host introducing a topic, e.g., "Stuff You Should Know")
General Public Discourse:
"Can you just give me a little more sugar in my tea?" (A common request)
"My little sister just started kindergarten this year." (A casual statement about a family member)
"It's a little cold outside, so grab a jacket." (A casual observation about the weather)
"He cares very little about what others think of him." (Describing someone's indifference)
"We need to make a little effort to clean up this mess." (Encouraging a small action)
10 Famous Quotes Using Little
“A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.” – Roald Dahl
“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” – Desmond Tutu
“It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.” – John Wooden
“Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.” – Mother Teresa
“Life is made up not of great sacrifices or duties, but of little things.” – Sir Humphry Davy
“A little learning is a dangerous thing; drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring.” – Alexander Pope
“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.” – A.A. Milne
“Little by little, one travels far.” – J.R.R. Tolkien
“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up — even a little.” – John Holmes
“It’s the little things that make big things happen.” – Tony Dorsett
Etymology
The word "little" comes from Old English.
It originated from the Old English word lȳtel (or lītel).
This word already meant "small in size or quantity" or "not much."
It's related to other Germanic words, like the Old High German luzzil and the Old Saxon lutill, all carrying similar meanings of smallness.
The first known use of "little" in English, with its core meaning of "small in amount, size, or degree," dates back to before the 9th century (Old English period). It's a very fundamental and ancient word in our language, and its meaning has remained remarkably consistent over many centuries, serving to describe smallness in various contexts.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Little
Little by little: Gradually; slowly over time.
A little bird told me: Used to suggest that one has received information from a secret source.
Too little, too late: An action or effort that is insufficient and delayed, making it ineffective.
Not a little: A considerable amount; very much.
Make a big deal out of nothing/a little thing: To exaggerate the importance of something trivial. (Synonymous effect for "making much of a little thing")
Little did I know: Used to express surprise or irony about a past event that unfolded differently than expected.
Every little bit helps: Even small contributions or efforts are valuable.
A little something: A small gift or token.
Little fish in a big pond: An unimportant person in a large group or organization.
The little things: Small details or everyday occurrences that are often overlooked but significant.
To think little of something/someone: To consider something or someone unimportant or insignificant.
Little wonder: Not surprising.
A mere trifle: A small or insignificant amount. (Synonym for "a little bit")
To pinch pennies: To be very careful with money, saving even small amounts. (Relates to being concerned with "little" expenses)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of little from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
