Less Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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less

[lɛs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

comparison

Smaller in amount, degree, or size.

Synonyms

decreased, diminished, reduced, smaller.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
less	Same word repeated as listed above. Same examples as above.
smaller	Used generally to describe something of a lesser size or amount and often in comparison to another object or situation. She prefers smaller cars. The smaller class sizes have led to better student performance.
reduced	Refers to something being made smaller or less in amount, degree, or size, and is often used in a formal context or when talking about prices and quantities. The store has reduced the prices of all items. They have reduced their environmental impact through recycling.
decreased	Used when referring to a reduction in numbers or intensity, often in a formal or scientific context. The population of the city has decreased over the past decade. The patient's symptoms have decreased since the treatment started.
diminished	Often implies a reduction in size, importance, or intensity, potentially with a sense of loss or reduction in value. The value of the currency has diminished significantly. His influence in the company has diminished over the years.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
less	Used when comparing two quantities or numbers to indicate a smaller amount or degree. He eats less sugar now to improve his health. There were less people at the party than we expected.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
less	Used in a comparative context to indicate a smaller degree or amount of something. She has less time to complete her project than she thought He makes less money than his brother
a smaller amount	Used to describe a diminutive amount of something in both formal and informal contexts. He drank a smaller amount of coffee today They spent a smaller amount of money on the renovation
a reduced quantity	Often used in formal or technical contexts to indicate a smaller amount of something. The factory produced a reduced quantity of goods due to the strike The new diet plan suggests eating a reduced quantity of carbohydrates

Word

Description / Examples

less

Used in a comparative context to indicate a smaller degree or amount of something.

She has less time to complete her project than she thought
He makes less money than his brother

a smaller amount

Used to describe a diminutive amount of something in both formal and informal contexts.

He drank a smaller amount of coffee today
They spent a smaller amount of money on the renovation

a reduced quantity

Often used in formal or technical contexts to indicate a smaller amount of something.

The factory produced a reduced quantity of goods due to the strike
The new diet plan suggests eating a reduced quantity of carbohydrates

Examples of usage

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

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'less'

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.

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121 large
122 here
123 every
124 less
125 following
126 general
127 law
...