less dear than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less dear than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the value or affection for something in relation to another item or person, indicating that one is not as valued or loved as the other. Example: "This painting is less dear than the one we bought last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We were quoted a price on a Louis Vuitton duffel bag that is 1.4%, or $10, less dear than a year earlier.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In 2010 nationalist heckles led the generally business-friendly Conservative government to quash a $40 billion bid by BHP Billiton, an Anglo-Australian mining giant, for the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan, a company far less dear to Canadian hearts than the modern rump of Canadian Pacific.

The Economist

The effect was less stuffy than dear, and that was his problem; he was too dear, too kind.

The New Yorker

The most affordable group is £8 or less, the dearest more than £20, with certain glasses far above this, to cater to both the wine snob and the everyday drinker.

Independent

Only twice in championship history have England gone in search of a clean sweep against their nearest and less-than-dearest, both times in London.

Independent

Less Than Jake.

WikiHow

We did less than good".

The New York Times

After all, if you're sitting there making a big deal about how much lower or lesser a man dressed as a woman is than you, you're indirectly suggesting there must be something about women that makes "less than," and that, dear reader, is far more wrong than any man in high heels.

Huffington Post

The CFC found that flights to and from Mexico City were between 40 % and 80 dearer than those to less strangled airports.

The Economist

Cheap prescriptions (less than half as dear as in England) cost the Scottish government £32m a year, free eye tests £67m, free personal and nursing care at home for the elderly £312m, and free meals for young primary-school children an uncalculated amount.

The Economist

Mr Farage replied: "If you believe that then you are less intelligent than you look, dear boy.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing emotional value, use "less dear than" to subtly express a difference in affection without being overly harsh. For instance, 'This old toy is less dear than the one my grandfather gave me.'

Common error

Avoid using "less dear than" when comparing purely monetary values. Phrases like "less expensive than" or "cheaper than" are more appropriate in those contexts to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less dear than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It serves to indicate that one entity or concept possesses a lower degree of value, affection, or importance when juxtaposed with another. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less dear than" serves as a comparative tool to express that something holds less emotional weight or value when compared to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct, although not exceedingly common. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, its neutral register makes it versatile for expressing subjective comparisons without being overly formal or informal. For scenarios demanding a more economical tone, alternatives such as "cheaper than" or "less expensive than" might be more appropriate. For more emotional contexts, "not as cherished as" can be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as beloved as

Highlights a difference in affection or love.

not as cherished as

Emphasizes a difference in emotional value or fondness.

not as esteemed as

Highlights a difference in respect or admiration.

not as valuable as

Focuses on monetary or practical worth.

less expensive than

A more formal way to express a lower price.

lower in price than

Directly relates to the cost of something.

cheaper than

Specifically refers to a lower price or cost.

not as significant as

Emphasizes a lower level of importance or consequence.

of less importance than

Indicates a lower level of significance or priority.

inferior to

Indicates a lower quality or status.

FAQs

How can I use "less dear than" in a sentence?

The phrase "less dear than" is used to compare the value or affection for something, indicating it's not as cherished as something else. For example, 'This memory is "less dear than" the one of our wedding day'.

What's a good substitute for "less dear than"?

Alternatives to "less dear than" include phrases like "not as cherished as", "not as valuable as", or "not as beloved as", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "less dear than"?

Yes, "less dear than" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase. It's used to express that something is not as valued or loved as something else.

When is it appropriate to use "less dear than"?

Use "less dear than" when comparing emotional value, sentimental attachment, or personal significance. It's suitable when one thing holds less emotional importance than another.