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small in size or amount
He gave me a little money for the bus.
He gave a small amount of money.
The baby took a little nap.
The baby took a short nap.
Can refer to physical size or quantity.
not much or not many
I know little about the subject.
I don't know much about the subject.
Used to emphasize a small amount or lack of something.
young or younger
She is my little sister.
She is my younger sister.
Used affectionately to refer to someone younger.
insignificant or unimportant
It's a little thing, don't worry about it.
It's not important, don't worry about it.
Used to downplay the importance of something.
'Little' is often used affectionately, like 'little brother' or 'little one'.
It can soften criticism, e.g., 'It's a little thing' means it's not important.
The meaning can vary based on context—size, quantity, or importance.
Old English 'lytel', from Proto-Germanic 'luttila', meaning 'small'.
Can function as an adjective, adverb, noun, or determiner. Often used to express affection or to downplay importance.