wee

UK: wiː | US: wiː

Definition

  1. adj. very small; tiny

  2. adj. (Scottish/Northern English) little; young (often affectionate)

  3. n. (informal) a short time; a moment (e.g., "I'll be back in a wee.")

Structure

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Etymology

The word "wee" originates from Middle English we, meaning "small" or "little," likely derived from Old English wǣ (woe, grief), though the semantic shift to "small" is unclear. It became prominent in Scottish and Northern English dialects, often carrying an affectionate or diminutive tone. The informal noun usage ("a wee") emerged later, emphasizing brevity or insignificance.

Examples

  1. She lives in a wee cottage by the river.

  2. The baby gave a wee smile.

  3. (Scottish) "Have a wee seat, lass."

  4. I’ll just take a wee break before continuing.

  5. He’s too wee to reach the shelf.