English Profile

little · adjective

/ˈlɪt̬.əl/Full view

little (SMALL)

A1 small in size or amount

Dictionary examples:

It came in a little box.

a little dog/nose/room

He gave a little smile.

Learner example:

When I [am] swimming, I can see the little fish. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Portuguese)

little (YOUNG)

A1 young

Dictionary examples:

When you were little your hair was really curly.

She's my little sister.

Her little boy isn't well.

Learner example:

She has a little boy. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Polish)

little (NOT IMPORTANT)

B1 not important

Dictionary examples:

I had a little problem with my car, but it’s fixed now.

She gets really upset by every little thing.

Learner example:

There is only one little problem. Unfortunately, [the] rooms are single. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Croatian)

little (SHORT)

B2 short in time or distance

Dictionary examples:

It’ll take me a little while longer to get ready.

Let's have a little break.

It's only a little way to the school.

Learner example:

I was on a phone for a little while and the lights went out... who knows why!! (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

little (EMPHASIZE)

B2 always before noun used to show affection or dislike for someone or something

Dictionary examples:

Oh, what a nice little house!

It's not a bad little restaurant.

Learner example:

"Oh no Mr. Dracula...don't hurt me! Please don't hurt me!" I said desperately. "With such a pretty little neck? Oh no! I have to give you just a tiny little bite..." (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

little · determiner

/ˈlɪt̬.əl/

little

B1 not much or enough

Dictionary examples:

There seems little hope of a ceasefire.

They have very little money.

There's so little choice.

Learner example:

In his opinion, [being a] teacher is a very bad way to earn money because you have a lot of work to do and earn very little money. (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

a little sth

B1 a small amount of something

Dictionary example:

It just needs a little effort.

Learner example:

Hi Sam, I need a little help from you. I need [to borrow] your bicycle, because someone stole mine. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Portuguese)

little · pronoun

/ˈlɪt̬.əl/

little

B1 a small amount

Dictionary examples:

I could only hear a little of what they were saying.

He does as little as possible at work.

There's not much flour left but you're welcome to the/what little there is.

She slept very little that night.

We did very little on Sunday.

Learner example:

He told them how animals were treated by human beings - they had to work a lot and were fed very little. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

little by little

B2 a small amount at a time

Dictionary example:

Little by little, the boy learned to trust us.

Learner example:

However, as the time went by, I couldn't but feel my dream disappearing little by little. (First Certificate in English; B2; Japanese)

a little

B1 a small amount

Dictionary example:

"Do we have any sugar left?" "A little."

Learner example:

One day it rained, but only a little. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

little · adverb

/ˈlɪt̬.əl/

a little bit

A2 slightly

Dictionary examples:

I was a little bit worried by what she said.

Let's wait just a little bit longer before I call them.

Learner example:

It's a little bit expensive but it is so awesome! (Key English Test; A2; French)

a little

B2 slightly

Dictionary examples:

You’re walking a little too fast for me.

She was a little frightened.

Learner example:

I'm a little surprised by my "popularity". (First Certificate in English; B2; Italian)

little

C1 not much or not enough

Dictionary examples:

a little-known fact

Little did he know what was in store for him.

Learner example:

Little did I know that I would be even more confused afterward. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Swiss German)

little more/better

C2 not much more or better

Dictionary examples:

Their house was little more than a hovel.

Their electricity was off for a week and we did little better - five days.

Learner example:

It was little better than a slum, completely unfurnished, except f[or] a desk with a diary on it. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)