less beloved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less beloved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is not as loved or cherished as another person or thing. Example: "While the first book in the series was a bestseller, the sequel was less beloved by fans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

In his own time, Vermeer was far less beloved than he is today.

The New York Times - Arts

Her love of hats even played a role in her relationship with one of her less beloved political associates.

The New York Times

The same can be said for another unofficial but no less beloved institution, the Dance Skaters who have been congregating just south of the Bethesda Fountain since 1977.

The New York Times

ROME — As Prime Minister Mario Monti prepares to exit the stage, he has burnished Italy's image — and his own — abroad, but he is less beloved at home.

The New York Times

JPMorgan might have learned from the hamburger joint's cautionary tale; an institution that fails to provide anything tangible, like delicious French fries, is bound to be even less beloved than a fast-food chain.

The New Yorker

It includes a taste of Chagall at his best, as well as a smattering of Modiglianis and Soutines and a generous serving of influential if less beloved artists like Jean Metzinger, Jacques Lipchitz and Albert Gleizes.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

What happened was this: The hostess was the sister of a much-beloved man, and among the guests was his less-beloved widow.

The New York Times - Magazine

The unobtrusive handheld camera keeps close tabs on Pascale and her sons, as if it were another, if rather less-beloved, member of the family.

The New York Times

Instead of recreating the beloved pixel art of the SNES or Saturn, it goes to the less-beloved chunky polygons of the PlayStation era.

TechCrunch

T. S. O'Connell, editor of Sports Collectors Digest, said: "Bonds is less than beloved in our hobby.

The New York Times - Sports

Nonetheless, pet owners, especially those with large and less-than-beloved breeds of dog, say it has become ever harder to find a welcoming apartment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less beloved" to subtly indicate a decline in affection or popularity without resorting to harsher terms. This is useful in reviews, biographies, or historical analyses where nuance is important.

Common error

Avoid using "less beloved" in situations demanding strong emotional expression. It might sound understated when describing tragic losses or profound disappointments. Opt for more direct language to convey the intensity of feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less beloved" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating a lower degree of being loved or cherished in comparison to something else. Ludwig AI provides many examples where this comparison is evident.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less beloved" functions as a comparative adjective phrase used to express a decline or reduction in affection or popularity. It’s grammatically sound and most commonly found in news and media contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is appropriate for nuanced comparisons, but should be avoided where strong emotional expression is needed. While semantically similar alternatives exist, like "less cherished" or "less favored", the specific context should guide the choice. The phrase appears to be grammatically correct as per Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less cherished

Indicates a lower degree of being treasured or valued.

less esteemed

Indicates a reduced level of respect or admiration.

less favored

Expresses a diminished preference or liking.

not as popular

Directly states a lower level of widespread liking or approval.

not as well-liked

Indicates a reduced level of being enjoyed or appreciated by others.

less appreciated

Conveys a diminished sense of gratitude or recognition.

less adored

Indicates a weaker level of worship or deep affection.

less highly regarded

Expresses a lower level of being esteemed or respected.

not as dear

Indicates a reduced level of endearment or preciousness.

less esteemed

Expresses a lower level of respect or appreciation.

FAQs

How can I use "less beloved" in a sentence?

You can use "less beloved" to describe something that is not as liked or cherished as something else. For example, "While the original movie was a hit, the sequel was "less beloved" by critics".

What are some alternatives to saying "less beloved"?

Alternatives include "less cherished", "less popular", or "less favored". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less beloved"?

Yes, "less beloved" is grammatically correct. "Less" is used to compare uncountable nouns or adjectives, and "beloved" functions as an adjective in this context.

What's the difference between "less beloved" and "unpopular"?

"Less beloved" implies a comparison, suggesting something was once liked but is now liked less. "Unpopular", on the other hand, simply means not widely liked, without necessarily implying a decline in affection.