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less

/lɛs/

lessadverb

/lɛs/

(modifier – comparative degree / smaller degree)

Definitions

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.

Synonyms

to a smaller extent

not as

Antonyms

to a greater extent

lessdeterminer

/lɛs/

(quantifier – with uncountable nouns – comparative)

Definitions

Used before uncountable nouns to indicate a smaller amount (comparative form of little in quantity).

We should use less water.

Synonyms

a smaller amount of

not as much

Antonyms

a greater amount of

lesspronoun

/lɛs/

(quantifier – without nouns – comparative)

Definitions

Used alone to refer to a smaller amount of something already mentioned or understood (comparative form of little).

Less is more.

Synonyms

not as much

a smaller amount

Antonyms

a greater amount

lesspreposition

/lɛs/

Definitions

Used to indicate subtraction or deduction.

Your net salary is your gross pay less taxes.

Synonyms

Antonyms

littleadjective

Definitions

Small in size or extent; not big or large.

The little dog barked at the stranger.

Young or small in age.

Her little brother is starting school this year.

Insignificant or of minor importance.

He made a little mistake in his calculations.

littledeterminer

less

/ˈlɪt.əl/

(quantifier – with uncountable nouns – negative meaning)

Definitions

Used before uncountable nouns to indicate a small amount (often implying 'not enough').

He has little experience.

Synonyms

a small amount of

scarcely any

hardly any

not much

Antonyms

a great deal of

plenty of

a lot of

much

littlepronoun

less

/ˈlɪt.əl/

(quantifier – without nouns – uncountable – negative meaning)

Definitions

Used alone to refer to a small amount of something already mentioned or understood.

I could understand very little of what he said.

Synonyms

not much

hardly anything

very little

Antonyms

plenty

a lot

much

littleadverb

less

/ˈlɪt.əl/

/ˈlɪt̬.əl/

(modifier – small degree)

Definitions

Used to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate a small degree or amount.

I slept little last night.

Synonyms

to a small extent