adjective littler lit′·tler or less or lesser less′er, littlest lit′·tlest or least

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

Etymology: 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

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

noun

1. 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
2. a short time or distance