Little means small in size, amount, or importance. It can also be used affectionately to talk about someone younger or smaller, like a little brother.
It comes from Old English “lytel,” meaning “small” or “short in time,” shared with other Germanic languages. The basic idea of smallness has remained stable for over a thousand years.
We use “little” not just to describe size but to show emotion—calling someone a “little kid” can sound tender or dismissive depending on tone. Phrases like “little by little” remind us how tiny steps can quietly add up to big changes.
Diminutives like ‘little woman’ or ‘little lady’ have historically been used to belittle women and children, framing them as small, cute, or less capable. The adjective itself is neutral, but certain collocations carry patronizing gendered connotations.
Avoid using ‘little’ in ways that infantilize adults, especially women (e.g., ‘the little wife’). Use it literally for size or quantity, or neutrally for affection when clearly welcome and not tied to gendered roles.
["small","young","minor","a bit of"]
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