less·er
(lĕśər)
[Middle English, from lesse, less; see less.]
adjective
- Smaller in amount, value, or importance, especially in a comparison between two things: chose the lesser evil.
- Of a smaller size than other, similar forms: the lesser anteater.
adverb
- Less. Used before a participle: a lesser-known writer.
noun
- One that is lower in importance, rank, magnitude, or degree: the lesser of two evils.
lit·tle
(lĭt́l)
[Middle English, from Old English lȳtel.]
adjective: lit·tler or less (lĕs), also less·er (lĕśər), lit·tlest or least (lēst)
- Small in size: a little dining room. See synonyms at small
- Short in extent or duration; brief: There is little time left.
- Small in quantity or degree: little money.
- Unimportant; trivial: a little matter.
- Narrow; petty: mean little comments; a little mind consumed with trivia.
- Without much power or influence; of minor status.
- Being at an early stage of growth; young: a little child.
- Younger or youngest. Used especially of a sibling: My little brother is leaving for college next week.
adverb: less or lesser, least.
- Not much; scarcely: works long hours, sleeping little.
- Not in the least; not at all: They little expected such a generous gift.
noun
- A small quantity or amount: Give me a little.
- Something much less than all: I know little of their history.
- A short distance or time: a little down the road; waited a little.
idioms
- a little
- Somewhat; a bit: felt a little better.
- little by little
- By small degrees or increments; gradually.
derivatives
- lit́tle·ness
- noun
