Little
|lit-tle|
/ˈlɪtəl/
(little)
small
Etymology
'little' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'lytel', which derived from Proto-Germanic '*luttilaz' (a diminutive formation meaning 'small').
'little' changed from Old English 'lyt el' (also spelled 'lȳtel') to Middle English 'litel' and eventually became the modern English word 'little'. It is related to Old Norse 'lítill' and other Germanic forms.
Initially, it meant 'small in size'; over time it broadened to include 'small in amount' and senses like 'insignificant' or 'to a small degree'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
small in size or extent.
Little houses lined the narrow street.
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Adjective 2
small in amount or degree; scanty.
Little progress was made during the meeting.
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Adjective 3
of little importance; insignificant.
Little evidence supports that claim.
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Adverb 1
slightly; to a small extent.
Little did she know what was coming next.
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Pronoun 1
a small amount; a little (used as a noun).
Little can be done until we have more data.
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Last updated: 2025/12/12 12:57