(modifier – comparative degree / smaller degree)
Used to form the comparative degree of adjectives and adverbs (opposite of more), or to indicate a smaller degree of an action. This is less important than that.
Synonyme
to a smaller extent
not as
(quantifier – with uncountable nouns – comparative)
Used before uncountable nouns to indicate a smaller amount (comparative form of little in quantity). We should use less water.
Synonyme
a smaller amount of
not as much
(quantifier – without nouns – comparative)
Used alone to refer to a smaller amount of something already mentioned or understood (comparative form of little). Less is more.
Synonyme
not as much
a smaller amount
(quantifier – with uncountable nouns – negative meaning)
Used before uncountable nouns to indicate a small amount (often implying 'not enough'). He has little experience.
Synonyme
a small amount of
scarcely any
hardly any
not much
Antonyme
a great deal of
plenty of
a lot of
(quantifier – without nouns – uncountable – negative meaning)
Used alone to refer to a small amount of something already mentioned or understood. I could understand very little of what he said.
Synonyme
not much
hardly anything
very little
(modifier – small degree)
Used to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate a small degree or amount. I slept little last night.