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.
“We’re still a little cautious on high yield because even though the absolute level of yields are great, spreads relative to traditional are still pretty tight,” he said.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 14, 2026
“Today’s call is going to be a little different,” Susan Morris, CEO of Albertsons, said yesterday, kicking off the grocery and pharmacy company’s latest earnings call.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026
"Really yes... but it's a little bit more complicated than just my emotions or my feelings," Zelensky said, when asked by UK journalist Piers Morgan if he felt betrayed.
From BBC ● Oct. 14, 2026
I think every role that I play has a little bit of me in it, and I basically play Kenny Boy if he became a public defender.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 14, 2026
Clare winced at the confession, which felt deeply personal and a little pathetic.
From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman
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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.