Less: meaning, definitions and examples

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less

 

[ lɛs ]

Adjective / Adverb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adjective

comparison

Smaller in amount, degree, or size.

Synonyms

decreased, diminished, reduced, smaller

Examples of usage

  • The company reported lower profits this quarter.
  • I need less sugar in my coffee, please.
  • We have less time than we thought.
Context #2 | Adverb

comparison

To a smaller extent; not as much.

Synonyms

not as much, to a lesser extent

Examples of usage

  • She visits us less often now.
  • He talks less than he used to.
  • I eat less meat these days.
Context #3 | Noun

comparison

A smaller amount.

Synonyms

a reduced quantity, a smaller amount

Examples of usage

  • He asked for less at the store.
  • I need less of that medicine.

Translations

Translations of the word "less" in other languages:

🇵🇹 menos

🇮🇳 कम

🇩🇪 weniger

🇮🇩 kurang

🇺🇦 менше

🇵🇱 mniej

🇯🇵 少ない (sukunai)

🇫🇷 moins

🇪🇸 menos

🇹🇷 daha az

🇰🇷 덜 (deol)

🇸🇦 أقل (aqall)

🇨🇿 méně

🇸🇰 menej

🇨🇳 更少 (gèng shǎo)

🇸🇮 manj

🇮🇸 minna

🇰🇿 аз (az)

🇬🇪 ნაკლები (naklebi)

🇦🇿 az

🇲🇽 menos

Word origin

The word 'less' originated from Old English 'læs', which is a comparative form of the word 'little'. Over time, it evolved to its current usage in the English language. 'Less' is commonly used in comparisons to indicate a smaller amount, degree, or size.

See also: lessee, lessen, lessened, lessening, lesser, lesson, lessons, lessor, unless.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #124, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.