less

Word Origin & History

Old English læs (adv.), læssa (adj.), comparative of læs "small;" from Proto-Germanic *lais-izo "smaller" (cf. Old Saxon, Old Frisian les "less;" Middle Dutch lise "soft, gentle," German leise "soft"), from PIE root *leis- "small" (cf. Lithuanian liesas "thin"). Formerly also "younger," as a translation of Latin minor, a sense now obsolete except in James the Less. Used as a comparative of little, but not related to it. The noun is Old English læsse.

Example Sentences forless

"But in a maiden it would be less seemly," answered Philothea.

On this day, however, Philothea's mind was less serene than usual.

Politics, for example, would be less entertaining without it.

At any rate, she has less freedom and more obligations under her contract.

And of course you can't ever be no Shepler 'less you take your share of chances.

Other voices no less inspired had followed; and, living, spoke to us.

Others not less popular had to do with the reasons for the slump.

Her consolations were not less sweet—her promises not less sure.

My promise is spoken; yours unspoken, but not the less real and solemn.

On the whole, it was not so bad as he expected; at least, there was less violence and more despair.

less

More words related to less

shorter

smaller

wanting