little by little

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little by little

The child's sandcastle grows little by little as she adds more wet sand.

Definition
  1. Adverb:
    • Gradually or in small stages: This describes something that happens slowly, in small amounts, or through a series of small, incremental steps over a period of time.
Usage
  • The primary use of "little by little" is as an adverbial phrase to modify a verb, describing the slow, incremental manner in which an action occurs or a state changes.
  • It emphasizes patience and the cumulative effect of many small parts or actions.
Examples
  • Adverb:
    • She saved money little by little until she could afford the trip. (This shows the slow, incremental accumulation of savings.)
    • Little by little, the days started getting longer after the winter solstice. (This describes a very gradual, almost imperceptible change.)
    • He is recovering his strength little by little after the illness. (This indicates a slow, steady progress in recovery.)
Advanced Usage
  • "Little by little" can be used to describe the process of understanding, learning, or changing an attitude.
    • I began to understand the complex theory little by little as I studied more.
    • Little by little, his stubborn attitude softened.
Variants and Related Words
  • Piecemeal (adverb/adjective): Done or happening in a series of separate, often unsystematic, stages.
    • The project was assembled piecemeal over several years.
  • Gradually (adverb): Taking place or changing slowly over a period of time. This is a very close synonym.
    • The fog gradually lifted.
  • Incrementally (adverb): Relating to or denoting an increase or addition, especially one of a series on a fixed scale.
    • The software was updated incrementally.
Synonyms
  • Gradually
  • Bit by bit
  • Step by step
  • By degrees
  • Piece by piece
Related Phrases
  • Drop by drop: Emphasizes accumulation through very tiny, liquid-like increments.
    • The water filled the basin drop by drop.
  • Day by day: Emphasizes gradual change perceived over successive days.
    • His health improved day by day.
little by little

The child's sandcastle grows little by little as she adds more wet sand.

Adverb
  1. by a short distance
    • they moved it by inches
  2. a little bit at a time
    • the research structure has developed piecemeal

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