adj., lit·tler, or less (lĕs), also less·er (lĕs'ər), lit·tlest, or least (lēst).
- Small in size: a little dining room. See synonyms at small.
- Short in extent or duration; brief: There is little time left.
- Small in quantity or degree: little money.
- Unimportant; trivial: a little matter.
- Narrow; petty: mean little comments; a little mind consumed with trivia.
- Without much power or influence; of minor status.
- Being at an early stage of growth; young: a little child.
- Younger or youngest. Used especially of a sibling: My little brother is leaving for college next week.
- Not much; scarcely: works long hours, sleeping little.
- Not in the least; not at all: They little expected such a generous gift.
- A small quantity or amount: Give me a little.
- Something much less than all: I know little of their history.
- A short distance or time: a little down the road; waited a little.
a little
- Somewhat; a bit: felt a little better.
- By small degrees or increments; gradually.
[Middle English, from Old English lȳtel.]
littleness lit'tle·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
