little — small in size, amount, or degree
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: small in size, amount, or degree
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈlɪtl/
Example Sentences
- There's little difference between the two options.
- My little brother ate my little cake with his little mouth.
- I have little time and little money, but little problems too!
little
ADJECTIVE[/ˈlɪtl/]
small in size, amount, or degree
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Little derives from Old English 'lytel', itself descended from Proto-Germanic roots meaning 'small' or 'diminutive'. The semantic meaning of smallness has remained stable across millennia, reflecting a fundamental concept preserved in Germanic languages.
Breakdown
The word evolved through phonetic shift from Old English 'lytel' (with y-vowel) to Middle English 'littel' (with i-vowel), eventually settling into the modern form 'little'. The root likely connects to Proto-Germanic *lutilaz, though the precise morphological components have been obscured by sound changes over time.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“There's little difference between the two options.”
“My little brother ate my little cake with his little mouth.”
“I have little time and little money, but little problems too!”
“Could you speak a little louder?”
📚Related Words
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