Definitions
- Referring to a smaller amount or quantity of something. - Talking about a reduction in degree or intensity of something. - Describing a comparative relationship between two things, where one is smaller or inferior to the other.
- Referring to a reduction or decline in the amount or level of something. - Talking about a decrease in size, quantity, or intensity of something. - Describing a change from a higher to a lower level or amount.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to a reduction or decrease in something.
- 2Both can be used to describe a comparative relationship between two things.
- 3Both are commonly used in formal and informal contexts.
- 4Both can be used as adjectives or verbs.
What is the difference?
- 1Degree of reduction: Less refers to a smaller amount or degree, while decreased refers to a change from a higher to a lower level or amount.
- 2Usage: Less is more versatile and can be used in various contexts, while decreased is more specific and often used in technical or scientific contexts.
- 3Formality: Decreased is more formal than less, which is more commonly used in everyday language.
- 4Connotation: Less is neutral in connotation, while decreased can imply a negative or undesirable change.
Remember this!
Less and decreased both refer to a reduction or decrease in something, but they differ in their part of speech, degree of reduction, usage, formality, and connotation. Less is more versatile and commonly used in everyday language, while decreased is more specific and often used in technical or scientific contexts.