less
UK[lɛs]US[lɛs]
determiner, pronoun
a smaller amount or quantity of something
adv
to a smaller degree or extent; not as much
Etymology
The word 'less' originates from the Old English 'lǣssa', meaning 'smaller' or 'fewer', which is itself the comparative form of 'lǣs' (meaning 'small' or 'little'). This Old English root is derived from the Proto-Germanic 'laisiz', a comparative form of the base 'lais-', which conveyed the sense of 'small' or 'little'. The word's journey from a concrete Proto-Germanic descriptor of size to its modern abstract function as a determiner, pronoun, and adverb quantifying degree or amount demonstrates a classic grammaticalization path, solidifying its role in forming comparative statements in English.
Analysis
The word 'less' is a simplex form. It functions as a comparative suffix in English (e.g., '-less' in 'hopeless'), but as a standalone word, it is an unsegmentable root.
Examples
I earn less money than I did a year ago.
She seemed less anxious after the meeting.
The recipe requires less sugar and more flour.