little
adj. · adv. · n.-
1 small size (adj.) A1 Beginnersmall in size or amount.
of small size, dimensions, or quantity; not big.
ExampleThe cat sat on a little wooden chair in the corner.
ExampleThe 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.
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2 young (adj.) A2 Elementaryyoung, especially when talking about children or siblings.
denoting a young age or a younger sibling.
ExampleMy little sister is starting school for the first time this September.
ExampleWhen 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'.
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3 short time (adj.) A2 Elementaryshort in time or distance.
brief in duration or short in distance.
ExampleLet's wait a little while longer for the rain to stop.
ExampleAfter a little walk through the park, they found a quiet bench near the lake to discuss the proposal.
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4 not much (adv.) B1 Intermediatenot much or not often.
to a small extent or degree; infrequently.
ExampleHe slept very little last night because he was worried about the test.
ExampleLittle 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'.
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5 a small amount (n.) A1 Beginnera small amount or a short time.
a small quantity, amount, or degree; often used in the phrase 'a little'.
ExampleCould I have a little of that cake, please?
ExampleThe 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'.