English adjective: less | |||
| 1. | less (comparative of `little' usually used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning not as great in amount or degree | ||
| Samples | Of less importance. Less time to spend with the family. A shower uses less water. Less than three years old. | ||
| See also | little, slight | ||
| Domain usage | comparative, comparative degree | ||
| Antonyms | more, more than | ||
| 2. | less (usually preceded by `no') lower in quality | ||
| Samples | No less than perfect. | ||
| Similar | inferior | ||
| Antonyms | superior | ||
| 3. | less (nonstandard in some uses but often idiomatic with measure phrases) fewer | ||
| Samples | Less than three weeks. No less than 50 people attended. In 25 words or less. | ||
| Similar | fewer | ||
| Antonyms | more | ||
English adverb: less | |||
| 1. | less used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs | ||
| Samples | Less interesting. Less expensive. Less quickly. | ||
| Synonyms | to a lesser extent | ||
| Antonyms | more, to a greater extent | ||
| 2. | less comparative of little | ||
| Samples | She walks less than she should. He works less these days. | ||
| Antonyms | more | ||