lesser
6 synonyms and 1 antonym for lesser, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Smaller, less important, or of lower rank, especially when comparing two things.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
smaller
slighter
Antonyms
How to use lesser
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
the lesser of two evils
to a lesser extent
lesser known
Etymology
A double comparative formed from "less" plus "-er," which developed in Middle English even though "less" is already comparative.
Full origin of lesser →Frequently asked questions
What does “lesser” mean?
The word “lesser” means smaller, less important, or of lower rank, especially when comparing two things. In plain terms, smaller or less significant than something else being compared.
How do you pronounce “lesser”?
“Lesser” is pronounced LEH-suh (/ˈlɛsɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “lesser” in a sentence?
Here is “lesser” used in a sentence: “He was found guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter.”
What part of speech is “lesser”?
“Lesser” is an adjective.
Where does the word “lesser” come from?
The word “lesser” comes from Middle English. A double comparative formed from "less" plus "-er," which developed in Middle English even though "less" is already comparative.
Is “lesser” a common word?
“Lesser” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between "lesser" and "less"?
"Less" is used with uncountable quantities, as in less water or less time, while "lesser" is an adjective meaning smaller or lower in importance, used before a noun, as in the lesser evil or a lesser role. "Lesser" compares importance or rank rather than amount.
What is the difference between "lesser" and "least"?
"Lesser" is a comparative, used when comparing two things, as in the lesser of the two, while "least" is a superlative, used for the lowest in a group of three or more, as in the least of my worries. Choose "lesser" for two and "least" for many.
Can "lesser" be followed by "than"?
Unlike "less," "lesser" is rarely followed by "than"; you say "a lesser role," not "lesser than." When comparing with "than," use "less" or "smaller" instead, as in "less important than."
