Little vs. Petite — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 28, 2024
Little and petite both describe small size, but little is used more broadly in scale and context, whereas petite specifically describes a small and slender human body, especially for women.
Difference Between Little and Petite
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Little is a versatile adjective that implies small size in a general sense, applicable to both objects and individuals. While, petite specifically refers to a small and slender build, usually in reference to a woman’s body dimensions. This distinction makes petite particularly relevant in fashion and apparel contexts.
In terms of usage, little is often used to describe dimensions, amounts, or degrees, emphasizing the minimal nature or size of something. Whereas petite is almost exclusively used to describe stature and is closely associated with clothing sizes or body measurements that suggest a delicately small figure.
Little can modify a wide range of nouns, reflecting its broader application in English language. On the other hand, petite is narrowly focused and typically modifies words like 'figure', 'size', or 'woman', reinforcing its specialized use.
The connotations of little can vary, suggesting something endearing or insignificant depending on context. While petite invariably carries a positive connotation, often used to suggest an appealing daintiness or attractiveness in physical appearance.
While both terms are adjectives, their usage in different contexts highlights cultural nuances. Little is universally understood and used across English-speaking cultures, while petite is often more commonly utilized in fashion-centric contexts, particularly in the United States and in discussions around body image.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Small in size, amount, degree
Small and slender, typically describing a woman’s build
Usage Context
Broad (objects, quantities, sizes)
Narrow (human physical stature, especially in fashion)
Connotation
Can be neutral or vary depending on context
Generally positive, associated with attractiveness
Typical Modifications
Wide range (e.g., little problem, little interest)
Specific (e.g., petite figure, petite size)
Cultural Prevalence
Widely used in all English-speaking areas
More common in fashion contexts and certain regions like the U.S.
Compare with Definitions
Little
Small amount of.
She had little interest in the movie.
Petite
(Of a woman) small and slender.
She shopped in the petite section of the store.
Little
Minor in importance.
It's a little problem that we can solve quickly.
Petite
(Of clothing) designed for shorter, smaller women.
She bought a petite dress that fit perfectly.
Little
Young in age.
He reminisced about his little brother.
Petite
Lesser in scale, but specifically in reference to human body.
Petite models are popular in certain market niches.
Little
Lesser in extent.
There is little hope of winning now.
Petite
Small, but attractively so.
Her petite features were often admired.
Little
Small in size, amount, or degree (often used to convey an appealing diminutiveness or express an affectionate or condescending attitude)
A little puppy dog
A boring little man
The plants will grow into little bushes
Petite
Used to emphasize femininity.
Her petite stature made her look youthful.
Little
A small amount of
You only see a little of what he can do
We got a little help from a training scheme
Petite
(of a woman) attractively small and dainty
She was petite and vivacious
Little
Used to emphasize how small an amount is
The rouble is worth so little these days
He ate and drank very little
There was very little time to be lost
I have little doubt of their identity
Petite
Short and slender
This rack of clothing is for petite women.
Little
A small amount of
We got a little help from a training scheme
You only see a little of what he can do
Petite
Small in size or scope; tiny
“a bagel that is fairly petite by today's standards” (Ed Levine).
Little
Used to emphasize how small an amount is
I have little doubt of their identity
He ate and drank very little
The rouble is worth so little these days
There was very little time to be lost
Petite
A clothing size for short, slender women.
Little
To a small extent
I was always a little afraid of her
He reminded me a little of my parents
Petite
(especially of a woman) fairly short and of slim build.
Little
Only to a small extent; not much or often (used for emphasis)
He was little known in this country
He had slept little these past weeks
Petite
(clothing) of small size.
Little
Small in size
A little dining room.
Petite
Small, little; insignificant; petty.
Little
Small in quantity or extent
A little money.
A little work on the side.
Petite
Small, little; of a woman or girl, of small size and trim figure.
Little
Short in extent or duration; brief
There is little time left.
Petite
A garment size for short or slender women
Little
Unimportant; trivial
A little matter.
Petite
Very small;
Diminutive in stature
A lilliputian chest of drawers
Her petite figure
Tiny feet
The flyspeck nation of Bahrain moved toward democracy
Little
Narrow; petty
Mean little comments.
A little mind consumed with trivia.
Little
Having scant power or influence; of minor status
Just a little clerk in the records office.
Little
Being at an early stage of growth; young
A little child.
Little
Younger or youngest. Used especially of a sibling
My little brother is leaving for college next week.
Little
Not much; scarcely
Works long hours, sleeping little.
Little
Not in the least; not at all
They little expected such a generous gift.
Little
A small quantity or amount
Give me a little.
Little
Something much less than all
I know little of their history.
Little
A short distance or time
A little down the road.
Waited a little.
Little
Small in size.
This is a little table.
Little
Insignificant, trivial.
It's of little importance.
Little
(offensive) Used to belittle a person.
Listen up, you little shit.
Little
Very young.
Did he tell you any embarrassing stories about when she was little?
That's the biggest little boy I've ever seen.
Little
(of a sibling) Younger.
This is my little sister.
Little
(often capitalized) Used with the name of a place, especially of a country or its capital, to denote a neighborhood whose residents or storekeepers are from that place.
Little
(derogatory) To imply that the inhabitants of the place have an insular attitude and are hostile to those they perceive as foreign.
Little
Having few members.
Little herd
Little
Operating on a small scale.
Little Steel (smaller steel companies, as contrasted with Big Steel)
Little Science (science performed by individuals or small teams, as contrasted with Big Science)
Little
Short in duration; brief.
I feel better after my little sleep.
Little
Small in extent of views or sympathies; narrow; shallow; contracted; mean; illiberal; ungenerous.
Little
Not much.
This is a little known fact.
She spoke little and listened less.
We slept very little last night.
Little
Not at all.
I was speaking ill of Fred; little did I know that he was right behind me, listening in.
Little
Not much, only a little: only a small amount (of).
There is (very) little water left.
We had very little to do.
Little
Not much; not a large amount.
Little is known about his early life.
Little
A small amount.
Can I try a little of that sauce?
Little did he do to make me comfortable.
If you want some cake, there's a little in the refrigerator
Many littles make a mickle. (Scottish proverb)
Little
A child; particularly an infant.
Little
A newly initiated member of a sorority, who is mentored by a big.
Little
The participant in ageplay who acts out the younger role.
Little
(countable) One who has mentally age regressed to a childlike state.
Little
Small in size or extent; not big; diminutive; - opposed to big or large; as, a little body; a little animal; a little piece of ground; a little hill; a little distance; a little child.
He sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
Little
Short in duration; brief; as, a little sleep.
Best him enough: after a little time,I'll beat him too.
Little
Small in quantity or amount; not much; as, a little food; a little air or water.
Conceited of their little wisdoms, and doting upon their own fancies.
Little
Small in dignity, power, or importance; not great; insignificant; contemptible.
When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes?
Little
Small in force or efficiency; not strong; weak; slight; inconsiderable; as, little attention or exertion;little effort; little care or diligence.
By sad experiment I knowHow little weight my words with thee can find.
Little
Small in extent of views or sympathies; narrow; shallow; contracted; mean; illiberal; ungenerous.
The long-necked geese of the world that are ever hissing dispraise,Because their natures are little.
The men, and the women, and the little ones.
Little
That which is little; a small quantity, amount, space, or the like.
Much was in little writ.
There are many expressions, which carrying with them no clear ideas, are like to remove but little of my ignorance.
Little
A small degree or scale; miniature.
A little, to or in a small degree; to a limited extent; somewhat; for a short time. " Stay a little."
The painter flattered her a little.
Little
In a small quantity or degree; not much; slightly; somewhat; - often with a preceding it.
Little
A small amount or duration;
He accepted the little they gave him
Little
Limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent;
A little dining room
A little house
A small car
A little (or small) group
A small voice
Little
(quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with `a') at least some;
Little rain fell in May
Gave it little thought
Little hope remained
Little time is left
We still have little money
A little hope remained
A little time is left
Little
Of short duration or distance;
A brief stay in the country
In a little while
It's a little way away
Little
Not fully grown;
What a big little boy you are
Small children
Little
(informal terms) small and of little importance;
A fiddling sum of money
A footling gesture
Our worries are lilliputian compared with those of countries that are at war
A little (or small) matter
Mickey Mouse regulations
A dispute over niggling details
Limited to petty enterprises
Piffling efforts
Giving a police officer a free meal may be against the law, but it seems to be a picayune infraction
Little
(of a voice) faint;
A little voice
A still small voice
Little
Younger brother or sister;
Little brother
Little
Lowercase;
Little a
Small a
E.e.cummings's poetry is written all in minuscule letters
Little
Small in a way that arouses feelings (of tenderness or its opposite depending on the context);
A nice little job
Bless your little heart
My dear little mother
A sweet little deal
I'm tired of your petty little schemes
Filthy little tricks
What a nasty little situation
Little
Not much;
He talked little about his family
Common Curiosities
Can little be used for people?
Yes, little can describe a young age or smaller size in people.
How is petite specifically used?
Petite is used to describe a small and slender body type, especially in women.
What does little typically describe?
Little can describe size, amount, or significance in various contexts.
What is the difference between little and small?
Little and small can often be used interchangeably, but little can also imply lesser degree or importance.
Is petite only applicable to women?
Generally, yes, petite describes women's stature and clothing sizes.
What kind of products are available in petite sizes?
Petite sizes are typically available in women's clothing, designed for shorter body frames.
Does little have positive or negative connotations?
The connotation of little can vary widely depending on the context.
Where would you commonly find the term petite used?
Petite is commonly used in fashion and personal descriptions.
Is petite considered formal or informal?
Petite is standard in both formal and informal settings, particularly in fashion.
How do the connotations of petite generally skew?
Petite generally has positive connotations, often associated with attractiveness.
Can men be described as petite?
Typically, petite is not used to describe men.
Can little be used in formal writing?
Yes, little can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
