mite
mite — noun
- mitesingular
- mitesplural
1. A microscopic arachnid, smaller than a spider, whose many species can live as pa
A microscopic arachnid, smaller than a spider, whose many species can live as parasites on animals, feed on garden plants, or thrive in house dust where they may trigger allergies.
Lotte found a dust mite under her bedroom rug when she helped her mother clean.
collocation: dust mite
The tiny red mites on the tomato plants were eating holes through the leaves.
Some mites that live on birds can accidentally bite people who handle the birds.
Dahlia learned in biology class that mites are not insects but arachnids like spiders.
The dog's scratching was caused by ear mites that the vet treated with special drops.
2. A noun used in British English to describe a very young boy or girl in a way tha
A noun used in British English to describe a very young boy or girl in a way that expresses warmth, pity, or protective fondness.
Poor little mite — Selim had a fever all night and could barely open his eyes.
affectionate phrase: 'poor little mite'
Beatrix was a tiny mite when she took her first steps across the kitchen floor.
The orphaned kitten was a sad little mite, thin and crying for its mother.
The baby was a sweet little mite, fast asleep and clutching a stuffed rabbit.
Rohan was a cheerful little mite who waved at everyone who passed his pram.
用法筆記
Almost always preceded by an adjective such as 'little', 'poor', 'sad', 'sweet', or 'tiny'. The sense can also extend to very young animals, especially pets.
常見錯誤
3. A small but noticeable quantity of something, especially a substance or abstract
A small but noticeable quantity of something, especially a substance or abstract quality.
There was only a mite of sugar left in the bowl, barely enough for coffee.
pattern: 'a mite of [noun]'
Kasia added a mite of salt to the sauce to bring out the flavour.
Ilan felt a mite of guilt about leaving the party so early.
The recipe calls for only a mite of cinnamon, so do not use too much.
Apinya offered a mite of comfort to her friend after hearing the bad news.
- bit
much more common and neutral; works with both countable and uncountable nouns (a bit of cake, a bit of luck)
- touch
suggests a very subtle, often abstract amount (a touch of humour)
- dash
implies a small, quick addition, usually of ingredients (a dash of lemon)
- hint
means the smallest trace, especially of flavour or colour (a hint of vanilla)
文法句型
a mite of + uncountable noun
用法筆記
Nearly always found in the fixed phrase 'a mite of'. Unlike 'bit' or 'little', it is less common in modern everyday speech and has a slightly old-fashioned or literary tone.
常見錯誤
4. To a small extent; somewhat. Used in the fixed phrase 'a mite' placed before an
To a small extent; somewhat. Used in the fixed phrase 'a mite' placed before an adjective or adverb to soften or reduce the quality.
The soup tasted a mite too salty after Elena added extra soy sauce by mistake.
pattern: 'a mite + too + adjective'
Sade thought the jacket was a mite too expensive for a casual weekend trip.
The train arrived a mite early, so the passengers had to wait on the platform.
Mizuki's voice sounded a mite shaky during the presentation to the class.
This chair is a mite uncomfortable for sitting at the desk all afternoon.
文法句型
a mite + adjective
a mite + adverb
a mite too + adjective
用法筆記
Only appears in the fixed form 'a mite' — 'mite' is never used alone as an adverb. 'A mite' is always followed by an adjective or adverb, or by 'too' + adjective/adverb. More common in spoken British English than in writing.