little crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the crossword clue "little," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and confidently.
Solutions for "little crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
NIP: A very small amount of something, often referring to a drink or a slight chill. Also, to cut or pinch lightly.
TAD: A small amount of something; a bit. Often used informally.
4 Letters
TINY: Extremely small in size or amount. A direct synonym for 'little'.
5 Letters
PETIT: A French word meaning small or little. Frequently appears in English crosswords, often clued with a French reference.
SMALL: Of a size that is less than normal or usual. The most common and direct synonym for 'little'.
MINOR: Of lesser importance, seriousness, or significance. Also, a musical key or scale that is lower in pitch.
6 Letters
SLIGHT: Small in degree; inconsiderable. Can also mean thin or delicate in build.
MINUTE: Extremely small or tiny (when pronounced my-NOOT). Not to be confused with the unit of time.
More About "little crossword clue"
"Little" is a classic crossword clue because its meaning is broad and context-dependent, allowing for a wide range of synonyms and related concepts. From words denoting size like TINY or SMALL, to quantity like NIP or TAD, and even importance like MINOR, setters have many options. This versatility often makes 'little' a challenging clue to solve without a few intersecting letters, as the answer could span various lengths and origins.
Crossword puzzles frequently exploit words with multiple meanings or cultural references. For "little," this extends to foreign words like PETIT (French for small), which is a common staple. Understanding these nuances and thinking beyond the most obvious synonyms is key to mastering such clues. Always consider if the clue has a hidden indicator for a specific context, such as a musical term, a culinary reference, or a foreign language hint.
Remember that the beauty of crosswords lies in their cleverness. A 'little' clue might not always lead to a direct synonym but could refer to a 'little' sound (PEEP), a 'little' person (TOT), or even a 'little' lie (FIB). The more you practice and encounter these types of clues, the better you'll become at discerning the setter's intended meaning.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always use the number of letters provided in the grid as your first filter. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for words like "little."
- Check Intersecting Letters: Fill in any letters you can from crossing words. Even one letter can often eliminate many potential answers for an ambiguous clue like "little."
- Consider the Clue's Nuance: Pay attention to any other words in the clue. "Little bite" might point to NIP, while "little one" could suggest TOT. Foreign language indicators (e.g., "little, to a Parisian") are crucial for words like PETIT.
- Think Beyond Direct Synonyms: Sometimes "little" might refer to something small in significance (MINOR) or a specific tiny object or action. Expand your thinking beyond just size.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do clues like 'little' have so many possible answers in crosswords?
Words like 'little' are highly versatile adjectives with many synonyms and related concepts (e.g., small, tiny, minor, brief). Crossword setters leverage this ambiguity to increase difficulty and allow for various word lengths to fit into grids, making context crucial.
What are some common foreign words that mean 'little' in crosswords?
The most common foreign word for 'little' found in English crosswords is 'PETIT' (French). Sometimes, less common foreign terms or diminutives might appear, but 'PETIT' is by far the most frequent, often clued with a French indicator.
How can I narrow down the options for a common adjective clue like 'little'?
To narrow options for 'little', consider the word length, any intersecting letters, and the puzzle's theme or specific setter's style. Look for subtle nuances in the clue (e.g., 'little bite' might suggest NIP, 'little one' might suggest TOT or TYKE). Also, check for indicators of foreign words or specific contexts like music ('MINOR').