How Do You Spell LESS THAN?

Pronunciation: [lˈɛs ðɐn] (IPA)

The phrase "less than" is often used to compare two quantities. It is spelled with the letters L-E-S-S T-H-A-N. In phonetic transcription, it is transcribed as /lɛs ðæn/. The sound 'lɛs' represents the short vowel sound in 'lɛt', while 'ð' stands for the voiced dental fricative sound in 'thick'. The letter 'æ' represents the open front unrounded vowel sound, like in the word 'cat'. Finally, 'n' represents the nasal sound 'n'. This phrase is commonly used in mathematics and everyday language.

LESS THAN Meaning and Definition

1. "Less than" is a comparative phrase used to indicate that one quantity or value is smaller or of a lower magnitude than another. It is primarily used in mathematical and numerical contexts to describe a relationship between numbers. When comparing two numbers, if the first number is less than the second number, it denotes that the first number has a lower value.

   In mathematics, the symbol "<" is typically employed to represent "less than." It is read as "is less than" or "is smaller than." For example, if x < y, it means that x is smaller than y, or in other words, the value of x is inferior to that of y.

   The concept of "less than" extends beyond numbers and is often used more broadly to compare quantities, measures, qualities, or values. It can be applied to any context where relative comparisons are made, such as when talking about weights, heights, distances, ages, or capacities. For instance, if one person is younger than another, it means their age is lower in magnitude or years.

   Overall, "less than" is a term that allows for the comparison and evaluation of values, quantities, or measures based on their relative magnitudes, indicating that one is smaller, lower, or of lesser value than the other.

Common Misspellings for LESS THAN

• lessthan
• kess than
• pess than
• oess than
• lwss than
• lsss than
• ldss than
• lrss than
• l4ss than
• l3ss than
• leas than
• lezs than
• lexs than
• leds than
• lees than
• lews than
• lesa than
• lesz than
• lesx than
• lesd than

Etymology of LESS THAN

The phrase "less than" is a construction made up of two separate words: "less" and "than".

The word "less" originated from the Old English word "lǣssa", which meant "smaller in size, amount, or degree". Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "laisiz" and the Proto-Indo-European root "*les-", both of which conveyed the concept of being small or little.

The word "than" has its origins in the Old English word "þonne", which meant "when" or "then". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*þana", which indicated a temporal relationship.

When these two words are combined, "less than" signifies a comparison between two quantities or degrees, expressing that one quantity is smaller or inferior to another.

Idioms with the word LESS THAN

• no less than The idiom "no less than" is used to emphasize the considerable or significant number, quantity, quality, importance, or importance of something or someone. It indicates that there is no smaller, lesser, or less remarkable alternative or comparison.
• nothing less than (something) The idiom "nothing less than" is used to describe something as being the minimum or only acceptable outcome. It emphasizes that there are no lower expectations or alternatives.
• in less than no time The idiom "in less than no time" means to happen or be completed very quickly or in a shorter time than expected. It suggests that something occurs so rapidly that it seems to take no time at all.
• nothing less than sth The idiom "nothing less than sth" is used to emphasize that only the specified thing or person is suitable or acceptable; nothing lower or inferior will suffice. It implies that the mentioned thing or person is of utmost importance or quality.
• less than (something) The idiom "less than (something)" typically refers to a comparison that suggests a lower or inferior quality, quantity, level, or degree of something in comparison to a specific reference point. It implies that the subject being discussed falls short or is inadequate in some way when compared to what is expected, desired, or perceived as sufficient.
• nothing less than The idiom "nothing less than" means that something or someone is regarded or described as being of the utmost importance, high quality, or extreme in a particular characteristic or achievement. It emphasizes that there is no smaller or lesser standard or expectation than what is being mentioned.
• no less than sb/sth The idiom "no less than" is used to emphasize the significance or importance of someone or something. It is often used to express surprise, admiration, or astonishment. For example, if someone says "I received no less than three job offers," it means they received three job offers, which they consider to be a significant and impressive number.
• less than pleased "Less than pleased" is an idiomatic expression that describes a state of being dissatisfied, disappointed, or unhappy about something. It implies that someone's reaction or emotions toward a situation or individual fall short of what could be considered positive or satisfactory.
• less than sth The idiom "less than sth" is used to convey that something is inadequate, insufficient, or falls short in comparison to a particular standard or expectation. It implies that the mentioned thing or person does not possess the desired quantity, quality, or capability.
• be nothing less than sth The idiom "be nothing less than sth" means to be exactly or at least as impressive, important, or significant as what is being mentioned. It emphasizes that something is not just partially or somewhat that thing, but completely and fully embodies it.
• less than The idiom "less than" is used to describe something that is of a smaller amount or degree than something else. It is often used in comparisons to indicate that one thing is inferior or inferior in quality or quantity to another.