less

The word “less” means smaller in amount, degree, or quantity; not as much. In plain terms, a smaller amount of something — the opposite of "more.".

“Less” is pronounced lehs (/lɛs/ in IPA).

Here is “less” used in a sentence: “She earns less money than her brother.”

The opposite of “less” — its antonyms — is plus.

Depending on how it is used, “less” can be an adjective and a preposition.

The word “less” comes from Old English. From Old English laessa, "smaller, fewer," a very old Germanic word unrelated to "little" or "least" in origin.

“Less” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Less” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: smaller in amount, degree, or quantity; not as much.

Use 'fewer' for things you can count individually: fewer cars, fewer people, fewer mistakes. Use 'less' for amounts, mass, or degree you can't count separately: less water, less time, less money. A quick test: if the noun has a plural form, 'fewer' is usually correct.

'Less' is comparative, contrasting two things: 'this bowl has less soup than that one.' 'Least' is superlative, marking the smallest of three or more: 'this bowl has the least soup of all.' Use 'less' for comparisons, 'least' for the bottom of a group.

Strictly, no — items are countable, so purists prefer '10 items or fewer.' However, 'less' is extremely common in everyday speech and on signs, and many usage guides now accept it. In careful writing, choose 'fewer' for countable things like items.

The opposite of 'less' is 'more,' indicating a greater amount, degree, or quantity. Where 'less' reduces — less noise, less effort — 'more' increases things: more noise, more effort. For countable nouns, the matching pair is 'fewer' and 'more,' following the same logic.