a little
a little
a little
1 : not much but some
I don't want much: I want just a little bit/piece.
There's a little brown sugar in these cookies.
I have a little money, so I may be able to lend you some.
They offered him a little something to drink before dinner. [=they offered him something to drink]
There was more than a little sadness [=there was much sadness] in his voice.
2 : not much but somewhat or slightly
It bothered me a little.
His house is down the street a little further.
His house is down the street a little. = It's a little down the street.
I'm feeling a little better today.
Repairs will begin in a little [=slightly] more than a month.
He was not a little annoyed [=he was very annoyed] at the interruption.
Her vision of the future was more than a little upsetting. [=was very upsetting]
3 : for a brief time
Please stay here with me a little.
We can walk a little and then catch a cab.
4 : a small amount or quantity
There is only a very little at stake here.
They don't understand much but they do understand a little.
There's still some money in the bank, but only a very little.
They understand more than a little of what is going on. [=they understand much of what is going on]
Don't use too much of this. A little goes a long way. [=a small amount will be enough]
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Main Entry: little