lytel
The Old English word for small is lytel.
The word is an adjective used to describe something that is not large.
Meaning: not large (adj)
Which one should you use?
Do not confuse lytel with læt, which means late.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain dialects, lytel might occasionally be spelled as letel or litil, while the word for small might appear as smale.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form lytel is the masculine or feminine singular nominative form. The form lyt is used as the neuter singular nominative or accusative form.
Did you know?
- In Old English, the word lytel could be used to describe someone's social status or power. Calling a person lytel might mean they were unimportant or lacked influence rather than being short.
- Despite the complex grammar of Old English, lytel is one of the most stable words in the language. Its core sound and meaning have remained almost unchanged for over a millennium.
Examples in context
- Þæt hús is swiþe litel.The house is very small.
- Se hund is lytel.The dog is small.
- Ic hæbbe lytel hūs.I have a small house.
Example conversation
Two people are looking at a piece of jewelry.
- ÆthelflædSe hring is lȳtel.The ring is small.
- EadricGif hē tō lȳtel is, wē sēcaþ ōðerne.If it is too small, we seek another.
- ÆthelflædHē is gemæte mīnum fingre.It fits my finger.
- EadricÞæt is gōd.That is good.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lytel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
