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.
And the truth is we’re a little spoiled; there’s never been more sports on TV.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026
I think the second special reflects that a little bit in a way, the second is a little bigger and smaller.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026
When they did occur, Sandel said they were "a little more intense, a little more aggressive".
From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026
It was a little better: He liked having teammates, but he didn’t really take to golf then, either.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026
By the time she’d calmed down, Janet was gone, and Star realized perhaps her daughter had wanted a little less freedom and a little more guidance.
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
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.
