Skip to main content

less — to a smaller extent; not as much

Part of speech: ADVERB

Definition: to a smaller extent; not as much

Pronunciation (IPA): /les/

Example Sentences

  • My coffee has less sugar but twice the caffeine - perfect for Monday mornings!
  • I have less patience with people who complain about having less time.
  • She talks less but says more meaningful things than most people.

less

ADVERB

[/les/]

to a smaller extent; not as much

A less full bowl shows reduced amount of food on the table
💡 Concept

A less full bowl shows reduced amount of food on the table

The less you hold, the less your stress—when you bless simplicity, the mess will rest
🎵 Rhyme

The less you hold, the less your stress—when you bless simplicity, the mess will rest

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/les/
🇬🇧 UK/les/

🌳Etymology

Rootless

Origin

From Old English 'læs' meaning smaller or lesser, derived from Proto-Germanic 'laisiz'. Related to the comparative form of 'little' and ultimately from Indo-European roots meaning to let go or release.

Breakdown

less (adjective/adverb meaning smaller in amount or degree, from Old English læs meaning lesser or smaller)

🎵Rhyme

mess
stress
bless
guess

🔗Collocations

less than
more or less
less likely
nothing less than
less expensive
much less

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My coffee has less sugar but twice the caffeine - perfect for Monday mornings!”

“I have less patience with people who complain about having less time.”

“She talks less but says more meaningful things than most people.”

😄 Fun example

“My diet plan: eat less chocolate, cry less about eating less chocolate.”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.