Less
WordNet
adjective
(1) (nonstandard in some uses but often idiomatic with measure phrases) fewer
"Less than three weeks"
"No less than 50 people attended"
"In 25 words or less"
(2) (usually preceded by `no') lower in quality
"No less than perfect"
adverb
(3) Used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
"Less interesting"
"Less expensive"
"Less quickly"
(4) Comparative of little
"She walks less than she should"
"He works less these days"
WiktionaryText
Determiner
- Comparative form of little; smaller, not so great.
- I have less than you have.
- I have less tea than coffee.
- A smaller number of; fewer.
- 2003, Timandra Harkness, The Guardian, 16 Dec 2003:
- Although my hosts, G S Aviation, can teach you to fly in Wiltshire, an intensive week at their French airfield means less problems with the weather, cheap but good living, and complete removal from any distractions.
- 1952, Thomas M Pryor, The New York Times, 7 Sep 1952:
- This is not a happy situation as far as the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes is concerned because it means less jobs for the union's members here at home.
- 2003, Timandra Harkness, The Guardian, 16 Dec 2003:
Usage notes
Many people restrict less as a determiner to mean smaller in size or amount. They proscribe the use of less to mean smaller in number, for which fewer is the preferred adjective.
However, the proscribed usage is very common, and considered to be normal usage in some regions. See fewer for a complete discussion.
Preposition
less
- minus; not including
- It should then tax all of that as personal income, less the proportion of the car's annual mileage demonstrably clocked up on company business.