Meaning & Definition of word "Less"
to
Less
/lɛs/
adjective:
- 1. Smaller in size, amount, or degree.
- Example: He had less work to do on the weekend.
- 2. Of inferior quality or importance.
- Example: This edition of the book is less valuable than the first.
adverb:
- 1. To a smaller extent or degree; not as much.
- Example: She is less interested in sports than her brother.
- 2. Not at all; to a lesser degree of quality.
- Example: He is less capable of handling stress than she is.
- 3. Used in comparisons to indicate a smaller amount.
- Example: We have less time to complete the project than we thought.
preposition:
- 1. Used to indicate a smaller amount after the word 'than'.
- Example: I have less than five dollars in my wallet.
Etymology
Old English 'læs', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'minder' and German 'weniger'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
less is more:
Used to express that simplicity often leads to better results.
less than:
Not as much or not equal to.
no less:
Not any less; in fact, possibly more.
Related Words
fewer:
A smaller number of; used with countable nouns.
least:
The smallest amount or degree.
lessen:
To make or become less.
Slang Meanings of less
Meaning: To diminish or decrease.
Example Sentence: I need to less my workload.
Meaning: To tone down or reduce something.
Example Sentence: Let's less the music a bit.