less

less · determiner

imported

Definitions

determiner

  1. 1.

    A smaller amount of (used with uncountable nouns).

  2. 2.

    A smaller amount or quantity.

  3. 3.

    To a smaller extent; not as much.

  4. 4.

    Minus; with the deduction of.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    more or less — Approximately; somewhat.
  • •
    less and less — Decreasingly.
  • •
    no less — Used for emphasis.
  • •
    nothing less than — Definitely; absolutely.
  • •
    could/couldn't care less — Not care at all.
  • •
    less is more — Simplicity is preferable to complexity.

Related words

Antonyms: greater, more
See also: fewer, least, little, more, reduce
Synonyms: fewer, reduced, smaller

Etymology

From Old English læssa, comparative of lǣs ("less"), from Proto-Germanic laisizō. Related to "least" and "little." The word has remained relatively unchanged since Old English.