I. ˈles adjective, comparative of (I) little
Etymology: Middle English, partly from Old English lǣs, adverb & noun; partly from lǣssa, adjective; akin to Old Frisian lēs less
Date: before 12th century
1. : constituting a more limited number or amount
less than three
less than half done
2. : of lower rank, degree, or importance
no less a person than the president himself
3.
a. : of reduced size, extent, or degree
b. : more limited in quantity
in less time
•
- no less
Usage:
The traditional view is that less applies to matters of degree, value, or amount and modifies collective nouns, mass nouns, or nouns denoting an abstract whole while fewer applies to matters of number and modifies plural nouns. Less has been used to modify plural nouns since the days of King Alfred and the usage, though roundly decried, appears to be increasing. Less is more likely than fewer to modify plural nouns when distances, sums of money, and a few fixed phrases are involved
less than 100 miles
an investment of less than $2000
in 25 words or less
and as likely as fewer to modify periods of time
in less (or fewer ) than four hours
II. adverb, comparative of (II) little
Date: before 12th century
: to a lesser extent or degree
•
- less and less
- less than
III. noun
( plural less )
Date: before 12th century
1. : a smaller portion or quantity
2. : something of less importance
IV. preposition
Date: 15th century
: diminished by : minus