A little: meaning, definitions and examples

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a little

[ ˈlɪtəl ]

^{Context #1}

describing size

Small in size or amount; not big or great.

Synonyms

miniature, small, tiny

Examples of usage

Can I have a little piece of cake?
She only took a little sugar in her tea.

^{Context #2}

to a small extent

To a small extent; slightly.

Synonyms

a bit, slightly, somewhat

Examples of usage

She was a little tired after the long journey.
Can you turn up the volume a little bit?

^{Context #3}

a small amount

A small amount, quantity, or degree.

Synonyms

bit, dash, smidgen

Examples of usage

Could I have a little more milk in my coffee?
She only had a little of the pie.

Translations

Translations of the word "a little" in other languages:

🇵🇹 um pouco

🇮🇳 थोड़ा

🇩🇪 ein bisschen

🇮🇩 sedikit

🇺🇦 трохи

🇵🇱 trochę

🇯🇵 少し (すこし)

🇫🇷 un peu

🇪🇸 un poco

🇹🇷 biraz

🇰🇷 조금 (jogeum)

🇸🇦 قليل (qaleel)

🇨🇿 trochu

🇸🇰 trochu

🇨🇳 一点 (yī diǎn)

🇸🇮 malo

🇮🇸 lítið

🇰🇿 аздап

🇬🇪 ცოტა (tsota)

🇦🇿 bir az

🇲🇽 un poco

Word origin

The word 'little' originated from the Old English word 'lytel', which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word 'lutilaz'. Over time, the meaning of 'little' has evolved to refer to something small in size or amount. The word has been used in English literature and everyday language for centuries to describe things that are not big or great.