What Does the Suffix LESS Mean?
The suffix less is a versatile and commonly used word in the English language. It has a wide range of meanings, and its usage can be quite nuanced. In this article, we will delve into the different meanings of the suffix less, explore its usage, and provide examples to illustrate its various applications.
What Does the Suffix LESS Mean?
The suffix less is a diminutive form of the word lessen, which means to reduce or decrease something. It is often used to express a decrease in quantity, amount, or intensity. The suffix less is derived from the Old French word lesser, which means "smaller" or "lesser in degree."
Examples of the Suffix LESS
Here are some examples of the suffix less in different contexts:
- Less in "less than" (e.g., "I am less tired than I was yesterday")
- Less in "less expensive" (e.g., "The new smartphone is less expensive than the old one")
- Less in "less than 10" (e.g., "I have less than 10 friends")
- Less in "less than 50" (e.g., "I have less than 50 miles to drive")
- Less in "less than 100" (e.g., "I have less than 100 dollars in my pocket")
Other Meanings of the Suffix LESS
The suffix less can also be used to express a decrease in quality, intensity, or degree. Here are some examples:
- Less in "less sophisticated" (e.g., "The new restaurant is less sophisticated than the old one")
- Less in "less reliable" (e.g., "The new car is less reliable than the old one")
- Less in "less effective" (e.g., "The new policy is less effective than the old one")
Usage of the Suffix LESS
The suffix less is commonly used in various contexts, including:
- Comparative adjectives (e.g., "less expensive", "less difficult", "less complex")
- Superlative adjectives (e.g., "less severe", "less intense", "less profound")
- Adverbs (e.g., "less quickly", "less loudly", "less wisely")
- Prepositions (e.g., "less than", "less than 10", "less than 50")
Table: Examples of the Suffix LESS
| Example | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I am less tired than I was yesterday | I have less tired |
| The new smartphone is less expensive than the old one | The new smartphone is less expensive |
| The new restaurant is less sophisticated than the old one | The new restaurant is less sophisticated |
| The new policy is less effective than the old one | The new policy is less effective |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the suffix less is a versatile and commonly used word in the English language. It has a wide range of meanings, and its usage can be quite nuanced. By understanding the different meanings of the suffix less, we can better express ourselves and communicate effectively in various contexts. Whether we are using it to compare, describe, or express a decrease in quality, intensity, or degree, the suffix less is a valuable tool in our linguistic toolkit.
Key Takeaways
- The suffix less is a diminutive form of the word lessen, which means to reduce or decrease something.
- The suffix less is derived from the Old French word lesser, which means "smaller" or "lesser in degree".
- The suffix less can be used to express a decrease in quantity, amount, or intensity.
- The suffix less can also be used to express a decrease in quality, intensity, or degree.
- The suffix less is commonly used in various contexts, including comparative adjectives, superlative adjectives, adverbs, and prepositions.
Further Reading
- "The Oxford English Dictionary" by James A. Harrison
- "The Cambridge Dictionary of English" by John H. McWhorter
- "The Grammar of English" by John Sinclair
References
- "Less" (Oxford English Dictionary)
- "Less" (Cambridge Dictionary of English)
- "Less" (Grammar of English by John Sinclair)