Literary notes about little (AI summary)
The word "little" is used in literature as a flexible modifier that can soften descriptions, evoke affection, or imply both physical smallness and a reduction in intensity. It often signals a subtle or understated quality—a slight hesitation in action or emotion ([1],[2]) and a diminutive size that is either endearing or ironic, as seen when characters are described as "a little man" or addressed as "little cousin" ([3],[4]). It may also denote a brief period or a small amount, whether referring to a transient moment in time or a modest detail in the narrative ([5],[6]). Overall, this modest word enriches the text by layering meaning and inviting readers to look beyond its apparent simplicity ([7],[8]).
- “Truly!” replied the poet, bridling a little; “that is, to say, there are two of us;
— from Notre-Dame de Paris by Victor Hugo - Which I do because I hope his coming into this office will a little cross Sir W. Batten and may do me good.
— from The Diary of Samuel Pepys — Complete by Samuel Pepys - "My great-grandfather was a little man, and very sensitive about his height.
— from The Gay Cockade by Temple Bailey - “Come, little cousin,” she said to him, plucking him by the sleeve, in order to speak in his ear, “Look at her, do!
— from Notre-Dame de Paris by Victor Hugo - After a little while, I dare say, we shall be meeting again in the same sort of way, allowing for the difference of the time of year.”
— from Mansfield Park by Jane Austen - In May, 1834, came the first great sorrow, the death of little Eliza, aged two years, and the mother was heart-broken.
— from The Life and Work of Susan B. Anthony (Volume 1 of 2) by Ida Husted Harper - And with both hands stroked down its soft, light hair— Thou wert not born then—and he would stammer Those pretty little sounds that make one smile!
— from Poems by Victor Hugo - Very high in the pine-tree, The little Turtle-dove Made a pretty little nursery, To please her little love.
— from Mother Goose's Nursery Rhymes
