less
|
|
- pronunciation:
- les
- parts of speech:
- adverb, adjective, noun, preposition
- features:
- Note
| part of speech: |
adverb |
| definition 1: |
comparative of "little."
I work less than she does at school. |
| definition 2: |
to a smaller degree or amount. ("Less" is a comparative form of the adverb "little.")
He sleeps less than I do. |
|
|
|
|
| part of speech: |
adjective |
| definition 1: |
comparative of "little."
My sister spends less time watching TV now that she's playing soccer after school. |
| definition 2: |
smaller in degree or amount. ("Less" is a comparative form of the adjective "little.")
He has less patience than I do.I have less money than she has.- antonyms:
- more
- similar words:
- fewer
|
|
|
| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition: |
a smaller amount.
Less of the grass is green.- antonyms:
- more
|
|
|
| part of speech: |
preposition |
| definition: |
made smaller by; minus.
Three less one is two.- synonyms:
- minus
- antonyms:
- plus
|
less or fewer? a little or a few?
Fewer and
a few should be used when you talk about a small number of people or things that you can count.
Less and
a little should be used for a small amount of a thing that you cannot count.
Compare:
- There is less milk in the container than there was this morning.
- He has fewer friends now than when he was young.
- She ate only a little soup and a few crackers.