Definition

1. Adjective:

   • A smaller amount or degree of something: Used to compare quantities or degrees, typically with uncountable nouns or abstract concepts. It indicates a lower amount, degree, or importance.
   • Lower in quality or rank: (Often preceded by 'no') Signifies something is of inferior quality or status.

2. Adverb:

   • To a smaller extent or degree: Used to form the comparative of many adjectives and adverbs, indicating a lower degree of the described quality.
   • Not as much; not as often: Indicates a lower frequency or quantity of an action.

3. Preposition:

   • Minus; with the subtraction of: Indicates subtraction or reduction from a total.

4. Noun:

   • A smaller amount or quantity: Refers to a reduced portion or number.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • We have less time than we thought. (Indicating a smaller amount of an uncountable noun.)
  • This is a matter of less importance. (Indicating a lower degree.)
• Adverb:
  • She is less interested in sports than her brother. (Forming a comparative adjective.)
  • He visits less frequently now. (Modifying a verb to show lower frequency.)
• Preposition:
  • The bill came to fifty dollars less the discount. (Meaning 'minus'.)
• Noun:
  • I will settle for less. (Referring to a smaller amount.)

Advanced Usage

• "no less than": Used to emphasize a surprisingly large or significant amount.
  • The project required no less than a complete overhaul.
• "much/still less": Used to introduce a statement that is even less likely or true than the previous one.
  • I can barely walk a mile, much less run a marathon.
• "less and less": Indicates a continuous decrease.
  • He cares less and less about the rules.

Variants and Related Words

• Lesser (adj.): Of lower rank, importance, or size. Often used in formal or comparative contexts.
  • He was convicted of a lesser charge.
• Lessen (v.): To make or become less; to decrease.
  • The medicine helped to lessen the pain.

Synonyms

• Fewer: (Used with countable nouns) A smaller number of.
• Smaller: Of reduced size or amount.
• Reduced: Made smaller or less.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Lessen up (informal): To reduce in intensity or severity.
  • The rain should lessen up by evening.

Related Idioms

• Less is more: A principle that simplicity is more effective than complexity.
  • In design, sometimes less is more.
• Couldn't care less: To be completely uninterested or indifferent.
  • I couldn't care less about their opinion.
• More or less: Approximately; almost.
  • The work is more or less finished.

Adjective

1. (nonstandard in some uses but often idiomatic with measure phrases) fewer
   • less than three weeks
   • no less than 50 people attended
   • in 25 words or less
2. (usually preceded by `no') lower in quality
   • no less than perfect
3. (comparative of `little' usually used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning not as great in amount or degree
   • of less importance
   • less time to spend with the family
   • a shower uses less water
   • less than three years old

Adverb

1. comparative of little
   • she walks less than she should
   • he works less these days
2. used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
   • less interesting
   • less expensive
   • less quickly