a little
Idioms-
A small amount, as in Will you have some more meat? Yes, just a little . [Early 1400s]
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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.
“So now I’m back, the same but a little older and I know a little more, and it’s such an incredible journey,” Kani said.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026
His wife passed away unexpectedly a little over three years ago, and he inherited her share of everything.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026
The policy means some siblings fall under different rules, with Lily, 13, saying to younger sister Ruby: "I think you feel a little bit jealous of me."
From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026
“Probably in the U.S. there is always a little bit more exposure compared with Europe because the U.S. market tends to be always a little bit more risk tolerant or prone to risk,” Terzariol said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026
In the end we managed to find ourselves a little apartment nearby.
From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo
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.
