[a little] {n.}
or {adj.}
A small amount (of); some. — Usually "a little" is different in meaning from "little", which emphasizes the negative; "a little" means "some"; but "little" means "not much". We say
* /"We thought that the paper was all gone, but a little was left."/ But we say,
* /"We thought we still had a bag of flour, but little was left."/ Also, we say,
* /"Bob was sick yesterday, but he is a little better today."/ But we say,
* /"Bob was sick yesterday, and he is little better today."/ Sometimes "a little" is used with "only", and then it is negative.
* /We thought we had a whole bag of flour, but only a little was left./* /We have used most of the sugar; but a little is left./* /We did not eat all the cake; we saved a little of it for you./* /I'm tired; I need a little time to rest./* /Where is the paper? I need a little more./
- Often used like an adverb.
* /Usually the teacher just watched the dancing class, but sometimes she danced a little to show them how./* /The children wanted to play a little longer./
- Sometimes used with "very" for emphasis.
* /The sick girl could not eat anything, but she could drink a very little tea./
Syn.: A BIT. Compare: A FEW. Contrast: A LOT, QUITE A LITTLE.
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