Etymology: Middle English, partly from Old English lǣs, adverb & noun ; partly from lǣssa, adjective ; akin to Old Frisian lēs less Date: before 12th century constituting a more limited number or amount , of lower rank, degree, or importance ,
3. of reduced size, extent, or degree, more limited in quantity ,
Usage: The traditional view is that less applies to matters of degree, value, or amount and modifies collective noun s, mass noun s, or noun s denoting an abstract whole while fewer applies to matters of number and modifies plural noun s. Less has been used to modify plural noun s since the days of King Alfred and the usage, though roundly decried, appears to be increasing. Less is more likely than fewer to modify plural noun s when distances, sums of money, and a few fixed phrases are involved
III. noun (plural less) Date: before 12th century a smaller portion or quantity, something of less importance,
IV. preposition
Date: 15th century
diminished by ; minus