What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
petit
Example
She wore a beautiful petit dress to the party. [petit: adjective]
Example
I ordered a petit coffee since I don't need a large one. [petit: noun]
Example
The cafe had a lovely petit terrace where we enjoyed our coffee. [petit: adjective]
little
Example
The little girl was playing with her toys. [little: adjective]
Example
I only have a little bit of sugar left. [little: pronoun]
Example
He spent a little time studying for the exam. [little: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Little is more commonly used than petit in everyday language. Little is a common word that covers a wide range of contexts, while petit is less common and more specific to certain industries or contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between petit and little?
Petit is typically associated with a more formal and elegant tone, while little can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
