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.
"People have had more than enough uncertainty over the past year, and even a temporary pause eases the pressure a little."
From BBC ● Jul. 29, 2026
One important message is that the Fed’s inflation target is 2%, and not a little over 2% or any percentage rate that starts with a 2.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026
“I think we’re finally starting to see that open up a little bit more,” Engelschall said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2026
"I think we just cropped it a little bit on the sides," he said.
From Barron's ● Jul. 29, 2026
“Look, I’m not sure what I’m going to do. But I am sure that getting to know a little bit about these guys is the right thing to do,” I insist.
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.
