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English Lexicon

Less-than

/ˈlɛs.ðæn/
adjectiveprepositionconjunctionCEFR A2 (Elementary)Top #2500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As adjective
  1. 1

    Of a smaller size, extent, amount, or degree compared to something else.

    "His response was less-than enthusiastic when he heard the news."
As preposition
  1. 1

    Lower in quantity, value, or number than a specified reference point.

    "The temperature dropped to less-than freezing overnight."
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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from Middle English 'lɛs' (from Old English 'lǣssa', meaning smaller or lower in degree) combined with 'than' (from Old English 'ðanne', used for comparison). The compound phrasal use developed in mathematics and general discourse to indicate a lower quantity, value, or quality relative to another standard.

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