less

Definitions

1. adverb

   To a smaller degree. The opposite of more.

   Examples

   • I slept even less last night than the night before.
   • I like him less each time I see him.
2. adverb

   Used to compare an adjective or adverb downward.

   Examples

   • Randal is less welcome than Rachel.
   • This gadget is less useful than I expected.
3. adverb

   By a smaller amount.

   Examples

   • The grammar book was less than helpful.
   • That it is a positive idea makes it no less a stereotype.
4. determiner

   Smaller in size or degree.

   Examples

   • Those rattles look a bit like a sword, but less.
   • Six is less than seven.
   ≠greater
5. determiner

   Not as much.

   Examples

   • I have less tea than coffee.
   • He drank no less than eight pints of beer.
6. determiner

   A smaller number of. Many people use fewer here.

   Examples

   • There are less people here now.
   • Now there are three less bottles on the wall.
7. preposition

   Minus, or not counting.

   Examples

   • The total came to a hundred dollars, less the discount.
   • It was a year less two months.
8. verb

   To make smaller, in old-fashioned use.

   Examples

   • The medicine lessed her pain within the hour.
   • He lessed the noise by closing the door.
9. adjective

   Smaller or lesser, in old-fashioned use.

   Examples

   • This is true to a greater or less extent.
   • He was upset at a less matter than that.
10. noun

    A smaller amount.

    Examples

    • Less is better.
    • I have less to do today than yesterday.