“Less” or “Loess”

Overview

less / loess are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term. 👇

Definitions

less: (adjective) (comparative of `little' usually used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning not as great in amount or degree. (adjective) (usually preceded by `no') lower in quality. (adjective) (nonstandard in some uses but often idiomatic with measure phrases) fewer. (adverb) used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs. (adverb) comparative of little.

loess: (noun) a fine-grained unstratified accumulation of clay and silt deposited by the wind.

Pronunciation

less: l·EH·s

loess: l·OW·ah·s

Trends

📈 See Trends