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little

n.
A1 Beginner Oxford US //ˈɫɪtəɫ// UK //lˈɪtəl// lit·tle General-service Informal Vulgar

n. a small amount of something. You use this when you are talking about things you cannot count, like water, time, or money.

n. a small quantity or amount of an uncountable substance or abstract quality. Functions as a quantifier and is distinct from 'a little', which carries a more positive connotation of sufficiency.


SIMPLE

I have very little time to finish this work.

CONTEXTUAL

The project failed because there was little interest from the local community in supporting the new changes.

COMPLEX

Despite the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution, the jury showed little inclination to convict the defendant on the most serious charges.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Used with uncountable nouns. When used without 'a', it emphasizes the smallness of the amount and often has a negative or restrictive meaning.

Pitfall

I have little friendsI have few friends'Little' is used for uncountable nouns like time or water; 'few' must be used for countable nouns like friends or books.

Idioms20 entries

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