Pronunciation: [lˈɪtləst] (IPA) 
The word "littlest" is spelled with two syllables: /ˈlɪt.ləst/. The first syllable has a short "i" sound, as in "hit", and the second syllable has a schwa sound, as in "the". The spelling of the word is formed by adding the superlative suffix "-est" to the base word "little". This suffix indicates that something is the most or least of a particular quality. Therefore, "littlest" means the smallest or least of a group.
The term "littlest" is an adjective that denotes the superlative degree of the word "little." It is used to describe or compare the smallest or most diminutive size or quantity of something. "Littlest" is derived from the word "little," which means small in size, amount, or degree.
When we use "littlest," we are highlighting the extreme or ultimate degree of smallness. For example, imagine a line of children, each holding a different-sized toy. The child with the smallest toy would have the littlest toy among them. In this context, "littlest" refers to the smallest size among all the other options.
The term "littlest" can also be used to describe the youngest among a group of siblings. In this case, "littlest" emphasizes the relative age, implying that the person is the youngest sibling.
Overall, "littlest" is a comparative adjective that is employed when comparing one object or person with others and indicating the smallest size, amount, or age. It amplifies the already existing notion of smallness by establishing the ultimate or extreme extent of it.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "littlest" is formed by adding the suffix "-est" to the word "little", which is derived from the Old English word "lytel". "Lytel" can be traced back to the Middle English word "lite" or "litel", which had a similar meaning of "small in size or quantity". This Middle English word, in turn, has Germanic roots and is related to the Old High German word "luzzil" and the Gothic word "leitils". Overall, the etymology of "littlest" highlights its evolution from Old English to Middle English and its Germanic origins.
