adj
lesser
LEH-suh
adj
1
Smaller, less important, or of lower rank, especially when comparing two things.
"He was found guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter."
"It was, at least, the lesser of two evils."
How to Use Lesser
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSmaller or less significant than something else being compared.
Common mistake
Mostly used before a noun ("the lesser problem"), not as a standalone comparative the way "less" is.
Common pairings
the lesser of two evils
to a lesser extent
lesser known
Word Forms
more lesser comparative, Lessers plural, most lesser superlative
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He was found guilty of the _____ charge of manslaughter.
Etymology
A double comparative formed from "less" plus "-er," which developed in Middle English even though "less" is already comparative.