littler
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Smaller in size or amount compared to something else: The comparative form of "little," used to indicate that one thing is less in size, degree, or importance than another.
- Younger: Used informally to refer to a younger sibling, especially when distinguishing between two.
Usage
- As a comparative adjective: "Littler" is used to directly compare two things, where one possesses a lesser degree of the quality "little" (meaning small) than the other. It is less common in formal writing than "smaller."
- Informal use for family members: Often used conversationally to specify a younger child.
Examples
- Comparative of size:
- The puppy is littler than its mother. (The puppy is smaller in size than its mother.)
- She chose the littler piece of cake. (She chose the smaller piece of cake.)
- Comparative of age (informal):
- My littler brother just started school. (My younger brother just started school.)
Advanced Usage
- "Littler" vs. "Less": "Littler" compares countable nouns (things you can count, like objects or people). "Less" is used for uncountable nouns (like water, time, money).
- I have littler books than you. (Countable)
- I have less time than you. (Uncountable)
- Stylistic Note: In modern standard English, "smaller" is often preferred over "littler" in most comparative contexts, especially in writing. "Littler" is more common in spoken, informal English.
Variants and Related Words
- Little (adj.): Small in size, amount, or degree. Not large.
- A little dog.
- Least (adj., superlative): The smallest in size, amount, or degree.
- That is the least of our problems.
- Less (adj., comparative for uncountables): A smaller amount of something uncountable.
- I need less sugar in my coffee.
Synonyms
- Smaller: Of reduced size or dimensions. (The most common and formal synonym).
- Tinier: Extremely small. (Emphasizes a more extreme difference).
- Younger: Of lesser age. (Specific synonym for the informal use regarding age).
Antonyms
- Bigger: Of larger size.
- Larger: Of greater size or scope.
- Greater: More in size, quantity, or importance.
- Older: Of more advanced age.
Related Phrases
- The littler ones: A phrase often used to refer to younger children or smaller items in a group.
- Save the bigger toys for later and give the littler ones these blocks.
Adjective
- small or little relative to something else