even a little
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb - To any extent at all; in the slightest degree: Used to emphasize a negative statement or question, often in negative contexts or questions to mean "at all."
Usage
This phrase is used to intensify a negation or a question, suggesting that even the smallest amount or degree is relevant or true. It is commonly found in negative sentences or interrogative sentences.
Examples
- In questions:
- Are you even a little concerned about the deadline? (This asks if there is any concern at all.)
- In negative statements:
- He didn't show even a little remorse for his actions. (This emphasizes a complete lack of remorse.)
- There isn't even a little milk left in the fridge. (This stresses that there is no milk whatsoever.)
Advanced Usage
- "not even a little": A common construction to strongly emphasize a total absence or denial.
- I am not even a little tired after the long hike. (This means "I am not tired at all.")
- Used rhetorically in questions to express doubt or surprise that there is any degree of something.
- Were you even a little bit happy to see me? (This questions if there was any happiness.)
Variants and Related Words
- In the least: Functionally similar, often used in questions and negatives.
- I'm not worried in the least.
- At all: A more common synonym with a similar emphatic function in negatives and questions.
- I don't understand at all.
- The slightest bit: Emphasizes a minimal degree.
- He wasn't the slightest bit interested.
Synonyms
- At all
- In the least
- In the slightest
- To any degree
Related Phrases
- Even a bit: A near-identical phrase, with "bit" being slightly more informal than "little."
- She wasn't even a bit surprised.
- So much as: Used in negative contexts to mean "even."
- He didn't so much as apologize. (He didn't apologize even a little.)
Adverb
- to any extent at all
- are you in the least interested?