Question on 'short, small, and little'.

[learning54]

Hi teachers,
Can we say with no difference in meaning?
a) She is short.
b) She is small.
c) She is little.

Does 'little' have a more emotional positive meaning?



Thanks in advance

 

[Rover_KE]

Without further context, they mean the same.

 

[learning54]

Hi,
Thank you for your reply.
What about?
a) She has a small apartment.
b) She has a little apartment.

Isn't 'b' more positive emotionally speaking than 'a'?
_______________________________________________

So I can say, 'The opposite of tall is smal, short, and little, can't I?'

 

[BobSmith]

Isn't 'b' more positive emotionally speaking than 'a'?

[AmE - not a teacher]

I don't read it that way. Without further context, they sound identical to me.

 

[BobSmith]

[AmE - not a teacher]

If asked, out of context, what the opposite of each word is, I would reply as follows:

tall: short
big: small (or maybe little)
large: small

small: big (or maybe large)
short: tall
little: big

I think there are "proper" lists of opposites, but not being a teacher, I don't have one to reference

 

[learning54]

Hi,
Thank for all your replies.

Best,
L54

 

[learning54]

Hi teachers:
Do you agree with these definitions?
Small and little are both adjectives. We use small to talk about the size of something.
Your cat is very small.
Can I have two small pizzas please?

We can use little to refer to size, but we usually use it with another adjective to express an emotion.
You're a silly little boy.
Nobody's looking after that poor little dog.

Thanks