Reading Theme:
Little Definition: Small Size & Quantity Explained (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：small in size (little)
little
/ˈlɪt.əl/
adj., adv.
Small in size, not big or large.
small in size
➕
/smɔːl ɪn saɪz/
adj., adv.
Describes something that is not large in dimensions, extent, or capacity.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'lȳtel', from Proto-Germanic '*lut-', meaning small or few.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a 'little' kitten – small enough to fit in your hands.
📖 Example
The child was thrilled to hold the little puppy in his arms.
The child was thrilled to hold the little puppy in his arms.
🔗 Collocations
a little house – a house of small size
little finger – the smallest finger on a hand
little by little – gradually; in small stages
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
littleness (n.) – The quality or state of being small.
littlish (adj.) – Rather small; somewhat little.
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'little' traces back to Old English 'lȳtel', with cognates in Old Saxon 'luttil' and Old High German 'luzzil'. It has remained a core descriptor of size and quantity for over a thousand years.
Meaning 2：a small amount (little)
little
/ˈlɪt.əl/
adj., adv.
A small amount of something; not much.
a small amount
➕
/ə smɔːl əˈmaʊnt/
adj., adv.
Indicates a limited or insufficient quantity of something, often used with uncountable nouns.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
We have very little money left this month, so we need to save where we can.
We have very little money left this month, so we need to save where we can.
🔗 Collocations
little time – a small amount of time
little hope – hardly any hope
little progress – almost no progress
🔄 Synonyms
scant (adj.) – Barely sufficient or insufficient in amount.
minimal (adj.) – Very small in quantity or degree.
negligible (adj.) – So small or unimportant as to be not worth considering.
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
littleness (n.) – The state of being small in quantity.
Wordbook
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