A1adjective1K

Little

UK /["/ˈlɪtl/","/ˈlɪtlə(r)/","/ˈlɪtlɪst/"]/US /["/ˈlɪtl/","/ˈlɪtlər/","/ˈlɪtlɪst/"]/

Definition

not big; small; smaller than others

In simple words: small in size or amount

Examples

  • She has a little dog that loves to play.
  • Can I have a little bit of cake, please?
  • There's a little house at the end of the street.
  • He's a little shy around new people.
  • I have little patience for nonsense.

Usage notes

Used to describe size, age, or quantity. Can be affectionate when referring to people (e.g., 'little brother'). Avoid using in formal contexts where more precise terms are needed.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of a 'little' mouse - small and cute!

Collocations

  • little help
  • little house
  • little brother
  • little time
  • little bit

Synonyms

  • small
  • tiny
  • miniature
  • little bit
  • petite

Antonyms

  • big
  • large
  • huge

Common mistakes

  • Using 'littler' as a comparative, instead of 'smaller'
  • Confusing with 'few' when referring to countable items
  • Omitting 'a' before 'little' in a sentence like 'I have little money.'