adjective / adverb / determiner / pronoun / noun

little

LIT-ul/ˈlɪtl/

Small relative to the relevant standard.

The little terracotta flowerpot stands beside a much larger matching pot.

A little terracotta flowerpot beside a much larger flowerpot of the same design, making small physical size immediately visible.

Etymology

Old English lytel already described small size, small quantity, and even limited importance. The modern adjective preserves this breadth: its smallness need not be physical, but can concern amount or degree.

In context

Mary's Nest5:33

this is just a little four-ounce jelly jar, which is about the amount that we're going to make.

Natural Antibiotic Ointment Herbal Salve - Homemade Healing Ointment for Bug Bites, Cuts, and More!

More examples

We have little milk left in the refrigerator.
My little sister starts kindergarten this fall.
One little mistake doesn't ruin the whole project.
Rest a little before we start walking again.

Forms

little · littler · littlest · less · least

Similar words

small: Describes size or amount without necessarily suggesting youth or affection.
tiny: Means extremely small, rather than simply below a usual size.
slight: Describes a small degree or amount, not usually physical size.