little by little

Definition of Little By Little in English :

1. bit by bit, in stages, little by little, piecemeal

a little bit at a time

Example Sentences:
'the research structure has developed piecemeal'

2. by inches, by small degrees, little by little

by a short distance

Example Sentences:
'they moved it by inches'

WordNet Lexical Database for English. Princeton University. 2010.

Little By Little

by small degrees

by slow degrees or small amounts; gradually

adj. lit·tler or less (lĕs) also less·er (lĕsər), lit·tlest or least (lēst)

1.

a. Small in size: a little dining room.

b. Small in quantity or extent: a little money; a little work on the side. See Synonyms at small.

2. Short in extent or duration; brief: There is little time left.

3. Unimportant; trivial: a little matter.

4. Narrow; petty: mean little comments; a little mind consumed with trivia.

5. Having scant power or influence; of minor status: just a little clerk in the records office.

6.

a. Being at an early stage of growth; young: a little child.

b. Younger or youngest. Used especially of a sibling: My little brother is leaving for college next week.

adv. less or lesser, least

1. Not much; scarcely: works long hours, sleeping little.

2. Not in the least; not at all: They little expected such a generous gift.

n.

1. A small quantity or amount: Give me a little.

2. Something much less than all: I know little of their history.

3. A short distance or time: a little down the road; waited a little.