loesser: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “loesser” mean?
A comparatively or relatively smaller amount, degree, or extent.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A comparatively or relatively smaller amount, degree, or extent; not as much. The comparative form of 'little' and 'few'.
Used to indicate a reduced quantity, intensity, or importance; can also imply inferiority in rank or a lower number. Functions as determiner, pronoun, or adverb.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. British English may adhere slightly more strictly to the 'less' (uncountable) vs. 'fewer' (countable) distinction in formal writing, but the pattern is weakening in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in both. Can have a slightly formal tone when used correctly ('lesser of two evils').
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “loesser” in a Sentence
ADJ + than + NP (lesser than)the + lesser + of + NP (the lesser of two evils)lesser + NP (lesser importance)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “loesser” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- This issue concerns us lesser.
- It is a lesser-used pathway.
American English
- That factor mattered lesser in their decision.
- It's a lesser-travelled road.
adjective
British English
- He was convicted on a lesser charge.
- It's a tale from one of the lesser-known Greek islands.
- The lesser black-backed gull is common here.
American English
- She pleaded guilty to a lesser offense.
- He's a lesser-known actor from the 90s.
- The lesser scaup is a diving duck.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in comparisons of cost, risk, or market share (e.g., 'a lesser financial burden').
Academic
Common in comparative analysis and qualifying statements (e.g., 'played a lesser role in the outcome').
Everyday
Used in casual comparisons of quantity or quality (e.g., 'I have lesser patience today').
Technical
In law: 'lesser included offense'; in biology: 'lesser spotted woodpecker'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “loesser”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “loesser”
- Using 'lesser' with countable plural nouns where 'fewer' is prescriptively correct (e.g., 'lesser people' vs. 'fewer people').
- Confusing 'lesser' (comparative adjective) with 'less' (comparative determiner/adverb).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Less' is primarily a determiner or adverb comparing quantity or degree ('less sugar', 'less important'). 'Lesser' is primarily an adjective comparing quality, rank, or importance, often used before a noun ('lesser charge', 'lesser-known artist').
Typically, no. 'Lesser' as an adjective describes the noun's quality, not its number. For comparing a smaller number of countable items, 'fewer' is used ('fewer problems', not 'lesser problems').
Yes, 'to a lesser extent' (and 'to a lesser degree') are common fixed adverbial phrases used to mean 'not as much' or 'not as strongly'.
It is an idiom meaning the less bad or harmful of two undesirable choices, implying that neither option is good, but one is slightly preferable.
A comparatively or relatively smaller amount, degree, or extent.
Loesser is usually standard in register.
Loesser: in British English it is pronounced /ˈles.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈles.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the lesser of two evils”
- “to a lesser extent/degree”
- “lesser lights”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'LESS-er' means it has LESS of something compared to another.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE IS SIZE / QUANTITY IS SIZE (a lesser importance/smaller size).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'lesser' used correctly as an adjective?