"All the less" is a phrase used to convey a comparative decrease or diminishing effect of something in a given situation. It is an idiomatic expression primarily found in informal or colloquial usage.
The term "all the less" indicates that, despite a certain factor or condition being present, there is an expectation or impression of decreased quantity, quality, or importance. It suggests that contrary to what might be expected, the lessening of something is in fact intensified or emphasized.
For instance, if someone says "He failed to apologize but, all the less, I forgave him," it implies that the absence of an apology from the person in question made no real difference in terms of the speaker granting forgiveness. It underscores the fact that, even without an apology, the person forgave the offender wholeheartedly.
Similarly, "She had given her best effort, yet her chances of winning the competition seemed all the less" would imply that despite her strong effort, her prospects of winning appeared to diminish for some reason.
This expression is often used to amplify a situation or outcome, highlighting the reduction of a particular attribute. It adds weight to the idea that despite a specific circumstance or event, the outcome or perception is diminished rather than improved.
