帮助中心

lesser

[ˈlɛsər]

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

  • to a smaller degree or amount

    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.

  • the lesser of two evils

    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.

How do native speakers use this expression?