less

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

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Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Adverb 1.3.1 Translations 1.4 Determiner 1.4.1 Usage notes 1.5 Preposition 1.5.1 Antonyms 1.5.2 Derived terms 1.5.3 Translations 1.5.4 See also

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

Old English læs

[edit] Pronunciation

• IPA: /lɛs/, SAMPA: /lEs/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}
•  Audio (UK)^{help, file}
• Rhymes: -ɛs

[edit] Adverb

less (not comparable)

1. to smaller extent
2. In lower degree

   This is a less bad solution than I thought possible.

[edit] Translations

[edit] Determiner

less (superlative least)

1. Comparative form of little; smaller, not so great.

   I have less than you have.

   I have less tea than coffee.

2. (proscribed) A smaller number of; fewer.
   • 2003, Timandra Harkness, The Guardian, 16 Dec 2003:

     Although my hosts, G S Aviation, can teach you to fly in Wiltshire, an intensive week at their French airfield means less problems with the weather, cheap but good living, and complete removal from any distractions.

   • 1952, Thomas M Pryor, The New York Times, 7 Sep 1952:

     This is not a happy situation as far as the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes is concerned because it means less jobs for the union's members here at home.

[edit] Usage notes

Many people restrict less as a determiner to mean smaller in size or amount. They proscribe the use of less to mean smaller in number, for which fewer is the preferred adjective.
However, the proscribed usage is very common, and considered to be normal usage in some regions.

[edit] Preposition

less

1. minus; not including

   It should then tax all of that as personal income, less the proportion of the car's annual mileage demonstrably clocked up on company business.

[edit] Antonyms

• more

[edit] Derived terms

[edit] Translations

[edit] See also

• fewer