LESS

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does less mean? 

• LESS (adjective)
  The adjective LESS has 3 senses:

1. (comparative of 'little' usually used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning not as great in amount or degree

2. (usually preceded by 'no') lower in quality

3. (nonstandard in some uses but often idiomatic with measure phrases) fewer

  Familiarity information: LESS used as an adjective is uncommon.

• LESS (adverb)
  The adverb LESS has 2 senses:

1. used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

2. comparative of little

  Familiarity information: LESS used as an adverb is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• LESS (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

(comparative of 'little' usually used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning not as great in amount or degree

Context example:

less than three years old

Also:

little; slight ((quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with 'a') at least some)

Domain usage:

comparative; comparative degree (the comparative form of an adjective or adverb)

Antonym:

more ((comparative of 'much' used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree)

Sense 2

Meaning:

(usually preceded by 'no') lower in quality

Context example:

no less than perfect

Similar:

inferior (of low or inferior quality)

Sense 3

Meaning:

(nonstandard in some uses but often idiomatic with measure phrases) fewer

Context example:

in 25 words or less

Similar:

fewer ((comparative of 'few' used with count nouns) quantifier meaning a smaller number of)

• LESS (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

Synonyms:

less; to a lesser extent

Context example:

less quickly

Antonym:

more (used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Comparative of little

Context example:

he works less these days

Antonym:

more (comparative of much; to a greater degree or extent)

 Context examples 

It is at least certain that a warrant has been issued.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man or men are is a sailing-ship.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

My bedroom at home was not large, yet it could have contained a dozen similar forecastles, and taking into consideration the height of the ceiling, a score at least.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

The man's patience was no less terrible.

(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)

At least I have got a grip of the essential facts of the case.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

It would never happen again, she resolved, and she would see less of him in the future.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

You have no less than four powerful planets in your fourth house, which rules your physical home.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

It was a feeling, nothing more, and yet none the less potent.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

I did, at least; but I had my doubts of Peggotty, who was thoughtfully sticking her needle into various parts of her face and arms, all the time.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

Our faces—or mine, at least—fell as we surveyed it.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)