How Do You Spell LESS?

Pronunciation: [lˈɛs] (IPA)

The word "less" is pronounced as /lɛs/. This two-letter word has a simple spelling that follows the basic phonetic principles of English. It is spelled with a "l" sound at the beginning, followed by a short "e" sound pronounced as /ɛ/, and finally, the "s" sound at the end. The word "less" is used to describe something that is lower in quantity or quality than something else. This word is frequently used in conversations and writing, making it an essential part of the English language.

Meaning and Definition
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Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
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LESS Meaning and Definition

  1. Less is an adjective that refers to a smaller quantity or degree of something. It denotes a comparative form used to specify a smaller amount or extent compared to others or a previous amount. It indicates a reduction in amount, degree, or intensity.

    In terms of quantity, less describes a smaller number or amount of something compared to what is usual or expected. It indicates a subtraction or diminishment of a particular quantity or count. For example, if one has fewer cookies, they possess less quantity of cookies compared to someone who has more.

    Less can also describe a lower degree or intensity of something. It signifies a decrease or insufficiency in quality, importance, strength, or power. For instance, if a person has less enthusiasm, they display a lesser degree of excitement or vigor compared to someone with more enthusiasm.

    Moreover, less may indicate a partial exclusion or omission of something within a whole. It portrays a lack or absence of a particular thing or feature. For example, if an outfit is less appealing, it implies that it lacks the attractiveness or charm that similar attire possesses.

    In summary, less is an adjective used to express a smaller quantity, degree, or intensity of something compared to others or a previous amount. It conveys a sense of reduction, subtraction, decrease, insufficiency, exclusion, or omission.

  2. • Comp. of little; smaller; not so large or great.
    • Not so much; in a smaller or lower degree.
    • The inferior; a smaller portion.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for LESS *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for LESS

Etymology of LESS

The word "less" originates from the Old English word "las", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "laisiz". This Proto-Germanic word eventually evolved into various related forms in different Germanic languages, such as "laes" in Old High German and "less" in Middle English. Ultimately, it can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root *h₁leis-, meaning "to become weak".

Idioms with the word LESS

  • more or less The idiom "more or less" means approximately or almost. It is used to convey that something is not exact or precise, but is a rough estimate or approximation.
  • even/much/still less The idiom "even/much/still less" is used to emphasize that if something is not true or achievable, then something even less true or achievable is also not true or achievable. It signifies a comparison, indicating that the second item mentioned is more unlikely or improbable than the first.
  • less than The idiom "less than" typically means "to a lesser extent" or "not as much as" something else. It indicates a comparative relationship where one thing is inferior or smaller in quantity, quality, degree, or importance to another.
  • less said (about sth), the better The idiom "less said, the better" suggests that it is preferable to say or reveal as little as possible about a certain topic or situation. This implies that discussing or dwelling on the subject may lead to negative consequences, complications, or unnecessary arguments. It is a way of implying that silence or minimal communication is the wisest course of action.
  • much/still less The idiom "much/still less" is typically used to emphasize that something is even less likely or believable than the other thing being mentioned. It expresses a comparison in which the second item is considered to be significantly more improbable or unreasonable than the first.
  • know nothing and care less (about someone or something) The idiom "know nothing and care less (about someone or something)" is used to express complete ignorance or indifference towards someone or something. It implies that the person has no knowledge or interest in the subject matter and has no desire to learn or be involved. They are completely detached and uninterested.
  • less said , the better The idiom "less said, the better" means that it is preferable to say or discuss less about a certain topic or situation in order to avoid complications or negative consequences. It suggests that silence or minimal communication about the subject is the wisest course of action.
  • less than sth The idiom "less than something" generally means to have or possess a lower amount, level, quality, or value in comparison to the specified thing. It implies that the subject in question is inferior or inadequate in some way when compared to a particular standard or expectation.
  • less than (something) The idiom "less than (something)" typically refers to a situation or quantity that falls short or is inferior in comparison to the specified thing. It implies a significant difference or lack of quality or quantity in relation to the referenced subject.
  • in less than no time The idiom "in less than no time" means to accomplish something extremely quickly or in a surprisingly short period of time. It implies that the task or action is completed almost instantaneously or with such efficiency that time seems to pass by rapidly.
  • know little and care less (about someone or something) The idiom "know little and care less (about someone or something)" means to have very little knowledge or information about someone or something, and to have no interest or concern in acquiring more knowledge or being involved with them/it. It indicates a lack of interest, indifference, or apathy towards a particular person or subject matter.
  • much less The idiom "much less" is a phrase that is used to introduce a less likely or more extreme assertion in comparison to the previous statement or situation. It emphasizes the contrast between the two ideas, suggesting that the subsequent claim is even more unlikely or extreme than the preceding one.
  • nothing less than The idiom "nothing less than" means no less or nothing short of a particular thing or quality. It is used to express the idea that only the specified thing or quality is acceptable, expected, or suitable.
  • could(n't) care less The idiom "could(n't) care less" is a colloquial expression used to express complete indifference or lack of concern towards something or someone. It implies that the person has no interest or emotional investment in the matter and cannot be further bothered because they already hold the least possible level of care. The use of "could care less" or "couldn't care less" is often interchangeable in conveying the same meaning.
  • couldn’t care less The idiom "couldn’t care less" means to have no interest, concern, or emotional attachment towards something or someone. It indicates complete indifference or lack of importance towards a particular situation, issue, or person.
  • I couldn’t care less The idiom "I couldn't care less" means that one has no interest or concern about a particular subject or issue, indicating the complete lack of care or indifference towards it.
  • much less do sth The idiom "much less do something" is used to compare two actions or circumstances, emphasizing that the first action or circumstance is far less likely or plausible to happen than the second one. It indicates a significant degree of difference or unlikelihood between the two things being compared.
  • nothing less than (something) The idiom "nothing less than (something)" means emphasizing the extreme degree or importance of something. It suggests that nothing lower or smaller than the mentioned thing is acceptable or sufficient.
  • (I) could(n't) care less. The idiom "(I) could(n't) care less" means to have absolutely no interest or concern about something. It implies a complete lack of care or indifference towards a particular situation or topic.
  • know little and care less The idiom "know little and care less" refers to an attitude where someone lacks knowledge or information about a particular topic or situation, and they also display a lack of interest or concern towards it.
  • less and less The idiom "less and less" implies a gradual decrease in something over time. It signifies a diminishing amount, frequency, importance, or quality of something as time passes.
  • nothing less than sth The idiom "nothing less than something" means that the thing being described is considered to be of the highest or greatest degree or quality. It emphasizes that nothing short of that specific thing is acceptable or appropriate.
  • couldn't agree more/less The idiom "couldn't agree more/less" is used to express a strong level of agreement or disagreement with someone's statement or opinion. "Couldn't agree more" is used to emphasize that one's opinion aligns completely with the other person's, implying total agreement. Conversely, "couldn't agree less" indicates an extreme level of disagreement, implying that one strongly opposes the other person's opinion.
  • Less is more. The idiom "Less is more" means that simplicity or minimalism is often more effective, appealing, or powerful than excessive decoration, complexity, or abundance. It suggests that by removing unnecessary elements or details, one can achieve a more desirable result or outcome.
  • sb couldn't care less The idiom "sb couldn't care less" means that someone has absolutely no interest or concern in a particular matter or person. It signifies complete indifference or apathy towards something.
  • couldn't care less The idiom "couldn't care less" is used to express absolute disinterest or indifference towards something or someone. It implies that the person has no concern or regard for the topic being discussed.
  • more haste, less speed The idiom "more haste, less speed" means that when we rush or act too quickly without planning or taking the necessary time, it often leads to mistakes, setbacks, or delays. Therefore, it is more efficient to proceed with caution and carefulness instead of rushing, as it ultimately results in achieving the desired outcome more quickly.
  • no less than The idiom "no less than" is used to emphasize that something or someone is equal to or of the same level or significance as mentioned, usually implying that it is unexpectedly substantial or impressive.
  • less than pleased The expression "less than pleased" is an idiom used to describe a state of being unsatisfied, disappointed, or not fully content with a situation or outcome. It signifies a level of displeasure or unhappiness that is greater than mere dissatisfaction.
  • no less The idiom "no less" is used to emphasize or intensify the significance of something or someone. It suggests that the mentioned quality, characteristic, or achievement is impressive, notable, or unexpected.
  • no less than sb/sth The idiom "no less than sb/sth" is used to emphasize the importance, significance, or degree of someone or something. It highlights that the person or thing mentioned is impressive, exceptional, or unexpected.
  • could care less The idiom "could care less" is an expression used to convey a lack of interest, concern, or regard for a particular subject. It implies that the speaker has such a low level of interest or concern that it would be difficult for them to have less.
  • the less said, the better The idiom "the less said, the better" means that it is advantageous or preferable to say as little as possible about a specific topic or situation. It suggests that silence or a lack of words can help avoid further complications, conflicts, or unwanted attention.
  • be nothing less than sth The idiom "be nothing less than something" means that the mentioned thing or person is exactly what is stated, with no compromise or deviation. It emphasizes the high level or greatness of the thing being described, leaving no room for anything less.
  • the more, less, etc…, the more, less, etc… This idiom means that the more or less of something there is, the more or less of a particular result or effect will occur. It implies that there is a direct correlation between two variables.
  • I could care less The idiom "I could care less" is used to express a lack of interest or concern about a particular situation or topic. It suggests that the speaker has some level of indifference or apathy towards the subject, possibly implying that they care very little or not at all.
  • the less/least said the better This idiom means that it is better to say nothing or as little as possible about a topic, situation, or person in order to avoid creating more problems or making the situation worse.

Similar spelling words for LESS

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