Dictionary
1less
adjective \ˈles\
: not so much : smaller in amount or number
Full Definition of LESS
comparative of 1little
1
: constituting a more limited number or amount <less than three> <less than half done>
2
: of lower rank, degree, or importance <no less a person than the president himself>
3
a : of reduced size, extent, or degree b : more limited in quantity <in less time>
— no less
—used to emphasize that something is regarded as impressive or surprising <wants to be driven to the airport, in a limousine no less>
See less defined for English-language learners
See less defined for kids
Usage Discussion of LESS
The traditional view is that less applies to matters of degree, value, or amount and modifies collective nouns, mass nouns, or nouns denoting an abstract whole while fewer applies to matters of number and modifies plural nouns. Less has been used to modify plural nouns since the days of King Alfred and the usage, though roundly decried, appears to be increasing. Less is more likely than fewer to modify plural nouns when distances, sums of money, and a few fixed phrases are involved <less than 100 miles> <an investment of less than $2000> <in 25 words or less> and as likely as fewer to modify periods of time <in less (or fewer) than four hours>.
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Origin of LESS
Middle English, partly from Old English lǣs, adverb & noun; partly from lǣssa, adjective; akin to OldFrisian lēs less
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to LESS
2less
adverb
: not so much : to a smaller extent or degree
Full Definition of LESS
comparative of 2little
: to a lesser extent or degree
— less and less
: to a progressively smaller size or extent
— less than
: by no means : not at all <less than honest in his replies>
See less defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of LESS
before 12th century
3less
noun
plural less
Definition of LESS
1
: a smaller portion or quantity
2
: something of less importance
First Known Use of LESS
before 12th century
4less
preposition
: after taking away or subtracting (something)
Full Definition of LESS
: diminished by : minus
See less defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of LESS
15th century
LESS Defined for Kids
1less
adjective \ˈles\
Definition of LESS for Kids
comparative of 1little
1
: being fewer <Less than ten people showed up.>
2
: not so much : a smaller amount of <We need less talk and more action.>
2less
adverb
Definition of LESS for Kids
comparative of 2little
: not so much or so well <This quiz is less difficult than the last.>
3less
noun
Definition of LESS for Kids
1
: a smaller number or amount <They made do with less.>
2
: something that is not as important <You're lucky. I've been grounded for less.>
4less
preposition
Definition of LESS for Kids
: 1minus 1 <Your cost is the regular price less a discount.>
Medical Dictionary
less
,lesser
Learn More About LESS, LESSER
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