lesser Definition
- 1smaller in size, amount, or importance than something else
- 2used to describe a person who is of lower rank or status than someone else
Using lesser: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "lesser" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The lesser of the two evils.
Example
She was accused of a lesser crime.
Example
He holds a lesser position in the company.
Example
The lesser-known facts about the event are often overlooked.
lesser Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with lesser
Example
The new policy will affect the sales of the product to a lesser extent.
lesser-known
not well known or familiar
Example
The museum has a collection of lesser-known works by famous artists.
a choice between two unpleasant options, where one option is less bad than the other
Example
I don't like either candidate, but I'll vote for the lesser of two evils.
Origins of lesser
from Old English 'lǣssa', comparative of 'lǣs' meaning 'less'
Summary: lesser in Brief
The term 'lesser' [ˈlɛsər] describes something that is smaller, less important, or lower in rank than something else. It can refer to things like crimes or positions, as in 'She was accused of a lesser crime' and 'He holds a lesser position in the company.' 'Lesser' also appears in phrases like 'lesser extent,' indicating a smaller degree or amount, and 'the lesser of two evils,' which describes a choice between two unpleasant options where one is less bad than the other.