Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Smaller in size, amount, value, or importance: Used to compare two things, indicating that one is not as great or significant as the other. It is the comparative form of the adjective "little" in certain contexts, though it is not used with all nouns.
   • Of lower rank or secondary status: Describing something that is subordinate or less prominent.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • He chose the lesser of two evils. (He selected the option that was less bad.)
  • The lesser known facts about the event are fascinating. (The facts that are not as widely known are interesting.)
  • She is a lesser figure in the organization. (She holds a lower-ranking position.)

Advanced Usage

• "the lesser": Used as a noun phrase to refer to the thing that is smaller or less important.
  • Between the two proposals, we must accept the lesser. (We must accept the less demanding or problematic proposal.)
• "lesser than": A comparative construction (though "less than" is more common for uncountable nouns; "lesser" is often used in specific, sometimes fixed, phrases).
  • This issue is of lesser importance than that one. (This issue is not as important as that one.)

Variants and Related Words

• Less (adv., adj.): To a smaller extent or degree; not as much. (e.g., , ). Note: "Less" is used with uncountable nouns, while "fewer" is used with countable nouns. "Lesser" is an adjective used for comparison of degree or importance.
• Least (adj., adv.): The superlative form of "little"; smallest in size, amount, or importance.

Synonyms

• Inferior: Lower in quality, rank, or importance.
• Minor: Lesser in importance, seriousness, or significance.
• Secondary: Coming after, less important than, or resulting from something primary.
• Smaller: Reduced in size.

Antonyms

• Greater: Larger in size, amount, or importance.
• Major: Greater in importance, seriousness, or size.
• Primary: Of chief importance; principal.

Adjective

1. smaller in size or amount or value
   • the lesser powers of Europe
   • the lesser anteater
2. of less size or importance
   • the lesser anteater
   • the lesser of two evils