little
- 01 A1 Beginner
adj.small in size or amount.
adj.of small size, dimensions, or quantity; not big.
Simple“The cat sat on a little wooden chair in the corner.”
In context“The architect included a little garden in the blueprints to provide a touch of greenery within the urban concrete structure.”
UsageUsually placed before the noun.
PitfallI have a small brother. I have a little brother.While 'small' and 'little' are often synonyms, we usually use 'little' to describe younger siblings.
- 02 A2 Elementary
adj.young, especially when talking about children or siblings.
adj.denoting a young age or a younger sibling.
Simple“My little sister is starting school for the first time this September.”
In context“When I was little, we used to spend every summer at my grandparents' farm in the countryside.”
UsageCommonly used in the phrase 'little brother' or 'little sister'.
- 03 A2 Elementary
- 04 B1 Intermediate
adv.not much or not often.
adv.to a small extent or degree; infrequently.
Simple“He slept very little last night because he was worried about the test.”
In context“Little did they know that the small startup they founded in a garage would one day become a global empire.”
UsageOften used before verbs like 'know', 'think', or 'realize'.
- 05 A1 Beginner
n.a small amount or a short time.
n.a small quantity, amount, or degree; often used in the phrase 'a little'.
Simple“Could I have a little of that cake, please?”
In context“The doctor advised that even a little of the medication could cause a reaction in sensitive patients.”
UsageUsually appears as 'a little' or 'a little of'.
little vs few — Few modifies plural countable nouns, while little modifies uncountable nouns.
Usage little bit · little time · little boy