a little
Idioms-
A small amount, as in Will you have some more meat? Yes, just a little . [Early 1400s]
-
Somewhat or rather, slightly, as in I am a little annoyed with Harry . [Late 1300s] For a synonym, see a bit .
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But I’ll bet you a pint of Guinness that getting a little more in writing, and sharing a little less out loud at work, would serve us all well.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 3, 2026
"People don't talk about having no friends a lot... I think it's still what people would consider embarrassing or a little taboo," she says.
From BBC ● Aug. 1, 2026
“My first game back, I was a little bit anxious,” Díaz said after giving up two hits and a run to the Mariners en route to recording the save on Wednesday.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 1, 2026
I seasoned the tomato with salt and a little garlic powder, which supplied savory warmth without the acridity fresh garlic can bring.
From Salon ● Aug. 1, 2026
“Nah, what she gave me was one good pop on my behind. It didn’t hurt, but from an old lady, it had a little sting to it.”
From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
