little

Where does the word "little" come from? It comes from Proto-Germanic lūtilaz, passing through Old English before entering English (1500s).

Little’s story begins in Proto-Germanic: lūtilaz meant “small.” Dutch 'luttel' is a cousin. By 700s-1000s, the word had taken hold in Old English as lȳtel. Used alongside 'smæl', which then meant slender. It reached English by 1500s as little. 'less' and 'least' come from a different root, which is why 'littler' is rare. Today, little means small in size or amount.

1. Stage 1 · Proto-Germanic · ancient lūtilaz "small", Dutch 'luttel' is a cousin.
2. Stage 2 · Old English · 700s-1000s lȳtel "small", used alongside 'smæl', which then meant slender.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1500s little "small", 'less' and 'least' come from a different root, which is why 'littler' is rare.