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less

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The definition of less is not as much.

(adjective)

An example of less used as an adjective is in the sentence, "She has less money than he does," which means that she does not have as much money as he does.

Less is defined as minus.

(preposition)

An example of less used as a preposition is in the sentence, "Ten less seven is three," which means ten minus seven is three.

Less is defined as to a smaller degree or amount.

(adverb)

An example of less used as an adverb is in the sentence, "The shrimp is less tasty than the crab," which means that the crab tastes better.

Less means a smaller amount or something not as important.

(noun)

An example of less used as a noun is in the sentence, "She used less than he did," which means she used a smaller amount that he did.

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See less in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

little
not so much; smaller in size or amount: to drink less milk, take less time
fewer: in less than 25 words

Origin: ME les < OE læs, adv. læssa, adj. (used as compar. of lytel, little), akin to OFris les < IE *leis- < base *lei-, to diminish, meager, > little

adverb

little
to a smaller extent: less likely to succeed

noun

a smaller amount

with the deduction of; minus: about $5,000, less taxes; thirty less ten is twenty

without, lacking: pitiless, valueless
not able or apt to: relentless, tireless, reckless
not able or apt to be ____ed: dauntless

Origin: ME -les, -leas < OE -leas < leas, free, loose, akin to losian, lose

See less in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective A comparative of little.

Not as great in amount or quantity: had less time to spend with the family.
Lower in importance, esteem, or rank: no less a person than the ambassador.
Consisting of a smaller number. See Usage Note at few.

preposition

With the deduction of; minus: Five less two is three.

adverb Comparative of little.

To a smaller extent, degree, or frequency: less happy; less expensive.

noun

A smaller amount: She received less than she asked for.
Something not as important as something else: People have been punished for less.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English lesse

Origin: , from Old English lǣssa (adj.)

Origin: and lǣs (adv.); see leis-² in Indo-European roots

.

suffix

Without; lacking: blameless.
Unable to act or be acted on in a specified way: dauntless.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English -lesse

Origin: , from Old English -lēas

Origin: , from lēas, without; see leu- in Indo-European roots

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