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little

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The definition of little is small in size, quantity or importance.

(adjective)

An example of little used as an adjective is the phrase a "little cat" which means a cat below the normal size.

Little is defined as only slightly or not much.

(adverb)

An example of little used as an adverb is the phrase "working little" which means not getting a decent amount of work.

See little in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective littler or less or lesser, littlest or least

small in size; not big, large, or great
small in amount, number, or degree; not much
short in duration or distance; brief; not long
small in importance or power: the rights of the little man
small in force, intensity, etc.; weak
trivial; trifling
lacking in breadth of vision; narrow-minded; illiberal: a little mind
young: said of children or animals
younger: her little brother

Origin: ME littel < OE lytel (akin to Ger dial. lützel) < base of lyt, small (< IE base *leud-, to stoop > Welsh lludded, fatigue), infl. by ON litill, small (akin to Goth leitils) < IE base *lei-, to decline, be lean > less

adverb less, least

in a small degree; to a slight extent; only slightly; not much
not in the least: he little suspects the plot

noun

1. small amount, degree, etc.: often used with a and having adverbial force: a little crazy
2. not much: little will be done about it
a short time or distance

Related Forms:

littleness noun

See little in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective lit·tler or less (lĕs) also less·er (lĕsˈər), lit·tlest or least (lēst)

Small in size: a little dining room. See Synonyms at small.
Short in extent or duration; brief: There is little time left.
Small in quantity or degree: little money.
Unimportant; trivial: a little matter.
Narrow; petty: mean little comments; a little mind consumed with trivia.
Without much power or influence; of minor status.
a. Being at an early stage of growth; young: a little child.
b. Younger or youngest. Used especially of a sibling: My little brother is leaving for college next week.