lesser amount

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   A smaller quantity of something, especially when two amounts are compared.

   Grammar: Often used as 'a lesser amount of + noun' or 'a lesser amount than ...'.

   Patterns

   • a lesser amount of something
   • a lesser amount than something
   • pay a lesser amount

   This recipe calls for a lesser amount of sugar than the last one.

   Customers who pay early are charged a lesser amount.

   We used a lesser amount of paint on the second wall.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   A smaller total sum of money.

   Grammar: Common in money contexts: 'a lesser amount' means a smaller sum.

   Patterns

   • a lesser amount of money
   • owe a lesser amount
   • refund a lesser amount

   The insurance company offered a lesser amount than we expected.

   He repaid a lesser amount because he had already paid part of the debt.

Common combinations

a lesser amount of

Add a lesser amount of salt if you are watching your blood pressure.

a lesser amount than

She earns a lesser amount than her brother.

spend a lesser amount

They decided to spend a lesser amount on the wedding.

a much lesser amount

The second bill was a much lesser amount.

Synonyms and how they differ

smaller amount

'Smaller amount' is more neutral and common in speech; 'lesser amount' sounds a little more formal and often compares two specific amounts.

less

'Less' is the general comparative and can stand alone, while 'lesser amount' needs a noun or a comparison to sound complete.

Opposites

Word family

less determiner

A smaller quantity of something.

lesser adjective

Smaller in size, importance, or degree.

Commonly confused: lesser amount or less amount?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “lesser amount”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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