itty-bitty

IPA/ˌɪti ˈbɪti/
KK[ˌɪtibˈɪti]IPA/ˌɪti ˈbɪti/

itty-bitty — adjective

1. extremely small — used informally, often to describe something cute or endearing

1.形容詞B1
釋義

extremely small — used informally, often to describe something cute or endearing, like a baby animal, a tiny object, or a small amount of something

例句

William picked up the itty-bitty puppy and held it close to his chest.

collocation: itty-bitty + baby animal

Tara found an itty-bitty seashell on the beach and put it in her pocket.

同義詞
  • tiny

    neutral and widely used; less playful than 'itty-bitty'

  • teeny

    also informal and affectionate, similar register

  • miniature

    more formal; suggests a smaller-than-usual version of something

  • minuscule

    formal; emphasises extremely small size, no playful tone

反義詞
  • huge

    opposite in size and register (neutral)

  • enormous

    strongly contrasting size; more formal

用法筆記

This word is very informal and sounds affectionate or playful. It is more common in American English than in British English. You would not use it in formal writing or professional contexts.

常見錯誤

❌There is an itty-bitty chance of rain.
✅There is a very small chance of rain.
💡'itty-bitty' sounds too playful for neutral probability statements and is best reserved for physical size.