Idioms about less
Origin of less
synonym study for less
words often confused with less
Modern standard English practice does not reflect this distinction. When followed by than, less occurs at least as often as fewer in modifying plural nouns that are not units or groups, and the use of less in this construction is increasing in all varieties of English: less than eight million people; no less than 31 of the 50 states. When not followed by than, fewer is more frequent only in formal written English, and in this construction also the use of less is increasing: This year we have had less crimes, less accidents, and less fires than in any of the last five years.
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH less
fewer, less (see confusables note at the current entry)Other definitions for less (2 of 2)
Origin of -less
WORDS THAT USE -LESS
What does -less mean?
The suffix –less means “without.” It is also used occasionally to denote a failure or inability to perform. It is often used in a variety of everyday and technical terms.
The suffix –less ultimately comes from Old English lēas, meaning “free from, without” or “false.”
Examples of -less
One example of a word that features the suffix –less is ageless, “not aging or appearing to age.”
As you probably guessed, age– here refers to “becoming old.” The suffix –less means “without.” Ageless literally means “without becoming old.”
What are some words that use the combining form –less?
- accentless
- bloodless (using the equivalent form of –less in Middle English)
- bottomless (using the equivalent form of –less in Middle English)
- leaderless
- purposeless
- relentless
- seamless
What are some other forms that –less may be commonly confused with?
Break it down!
Given the meaning of the suffix –less, what does bloodless mean?
MORE ABOUT LESS
What is a basic definition of less?
Less refers to a comparatively smaller amount, quantity, or degree and can be used in this sense as an adverb, adjective, or noun. Less has several other senses as an adverb, adjective, noun, and a preposition.
Less is a comparative form of the word little, with the word least being the superlative. If something is described as less, it is “more little” than something else. Specifically, less by itself often means a smaller number or amount rather than physical size.
Less can be used in this sense as an adverb, adjective, or a noun. Because less is a comparative, it must be used to compare two or more things to make sense. For example, “This house is less” makes no sense by itself. You might wonder. “Less what?” When we include the item we are comparing the house to, you can understand what we mean: That house is really expensive, but this house costs less.
- Real-life examples: Used cars often cost less than new ones. You will earn less money in your first job than in your last job. You might start out with a lot of questions, but as you learn you may have less.
- Used in a sentence: I really need to start eating less.
We want to make sure nobody gets less food than anyone else.
When it comes to using pink paint, less is more.
The word less is often confused with the word fewer. For the most part, you can use the words less and fewer as synonyms when comparing amounts of things.
However, less can compare abstract, uncountable qualities, while fewer cannot. For example, one dog can be said to be less playful than another, but it cannot be said to be “fewer playful” than another.
Where does less come from?
The first records of less come from before 900. It ultimately comes from the Old English adverb lǣs and adjective lǣssa. It is related to the Old Frisian adverb lês and adjective lêssa.
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What are some other forms related to less?
- lesser (adverb and adjective)
What are some synonyms for less?
What are some words that share a root or word element with less?
What are some words that often get used in discussing less?
What are some words less may be commonly confused with?
How is less used in real life?
Less is an incredibly common word that is most often used to describe something having a smaller or lower degree, amount, or quantity.
I really need to get hobbies that cost less money…
— Ashlee Spring (@summerannspring) February 1, 2021
I haven't been less excited for a Super Bowl since…..ever. Is this typical for fans of the team that fall one game short?
— The CoolTechDad (@TheCoolTechDad) February 1, 2021
You'll be seeing less of me on Twitter when the temperature finally breaks 50 degrees, which I believe will now happen in mid-July.
— Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) March 20, 2015
Try using less!
True or False?
A chair that costs $30 is less expensive than one that costs $20.