less

less is part of the Basic English 850.

Pronunciation

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

Determiner

Determiner little

Comparative less

Superlative least

1. a smaller amount or degree

   He does less of the work than she does.

   I want less soup.

   It costs less than $10.

   As we build new roads, these small ones will become less important.

   He wore a dark colour that was less likely to be seen.

Synonyms

• fewer
• reduced

Antonyms

• more

Related words

• little
• least
• more or less
• couldn’t care less
• -less

Adverb

Positive none

Comparative less

Superlative least

This short section needs someone to add to it.

Usage

(with adjectives) Less identifies the negative comparative form of all comparable adjectives. For example, with the adjective intelligent, the negative comparative is less intelligent. A similar form is the negative superlative.

Related words and phrases

• more

Preposition

Preposition less

1. (mathematics) minus

   Seven less four is three.

Antonyms

• plus