less stoutly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less stoutly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something done with less strength, firmness, or intensity compared to another action or state. Example: "He approached the challenge less stoutly than his competitors, which ultimately affected his performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And of course most of the press has similar temptations to weigh (resisted far less stoutly than in Broadcasting House).

The Guardian

At Harrow, where he remembered himself as "frightfully pretty and luscious," he had repelled the advances of older boys; at Cambridge, he resisted less stoutly.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was a previous editor of The Economist who wrote their's in these pages; and when another paper made mock of us, stoutly pointed out that Tennyson, no less, wrote Their's not to reason why.

The Economist

A great debate ensued (at Cooper Union, no less) in 1978 between Massimo Vignelli and John Tauranac, each of whom stoutly defended his own version of urban geography and underground navigation.

The New York Times

And Barnsley, where he was less successful, ran off with all three points, scoring early and defending stoutly.

The Guardian - Sport

The church concentrates much of its political activity on poverty, health care and education; but it also stoutly defends "the sanctity of life", fighting against euthanasia, abortion, the death penalty, cloning and, less aggressively than before, contraception.

The Economist

Only after September 11th, when General Musharraf lined up stoutly behind America, was the old cold-war partnership revived.Predictably, the reaction in Pakistan has been less enthusiastic.

The Economist

Stoutly said.

The Economist

Parker nods stoutly.

The Guardian

Mr. Gore stoutly opposes that.

The New York Times

Maher again stoutly maintains his position.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less stoutly", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being resisted or defended. This phrase is most effective when contrasting it with a prior or expected stronger stance.

Common error

Avoid using "less stoutly" when a simpler adverb like "weakly" or "hesitantly" would suffice. "Stoutly" implies a degree of firmness or determination, so "less stoutly" should indicate a reduced firmness, not a complete absence of it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less stoutly" functions as an adverbial modifier, describing the manner in which an action is performed with reduced firmness or strength. Ludwig provides examples showing its use to indicate a weaker defense or resistance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less stoutly" is a grammatically sound adverbial modifier that indicates a diminished degree of firmness or resistance. As Ludwig AI indicates, it appears primarily in news and media contexts. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure that the context provides a clear reference point for the prior or expected stronger stance. Related phrases include "with less vigor" and "with diminished resolve". Remember that "stoutly" implies a certain degree of firmness, so "less stoutly" should suggest a reduction in firmness, not a complete absence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with less vigor

Focuses on the reduced energy or forcefulness of an action.

with diminished resolve

Highlights the decreased determination or firmness of purpose.

less resolutely

Emphasizes a weaker display of determination or firmness.

with less conviction

Focuses on the reduced certainty or belief in what is being said or done.

more weakly

Indicates a general reduction in strength or effectiveness.

with less resistance

Highlights a decrease in opposition or defense.

more feebly

Emphasizes a lack of strength or effectiveness in resistance.

with reduced intensity

Focuses on a decrease in the strength or force of an action or feeling.

less forcefully

Highlights a reduction in the power or strength of an action.

with less emphasis

Focuses on a reduced level of importance or stress placed on something.

FAQs

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

Use "less stoutly" to indicate a diminished degree of resistance or defense compared to a previous or expected stance. For example: "Initially, he defended the policy stoutly, but later, he argued for its revision "less stoutly"."

What are some alternatives to "less stoutly"?

Alternatives include "less firmly", "with less resolve", or "more weakly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less stoutly"?

Yes, "less stoutly" is grammatically correct. It functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the manner in which an action is performed with reduced firmness or resistance.

What's the difference between "stoutly" and "less stoutly"?

"Stoutly" implies a strong and determined defense or resistance, while "less stoutly" indicates a weaker or diminished form of that defense. It suggests a reduction in the intensity or firmness of the original stance.