lesser size

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lesser size" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when comparing two or more items to indicate that one is smaller than the other, but "smaller size" is more standard. Example: "The product is available in a lesser size, which is perfect for those who prefer a more compact option."

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"What we're having is a change in leadership," he said, with value stocks and those of lesser size gaining favor at the expense of growth stocks, many of which still carry high price-to-earnings multiples.

The New York Times

On the other hand, for the first time, we report that piezoelectricity in MgO-passivated ZnO nanowires exhibits a lesser size dependence than in the bare ones, a finding that may prove useful in the design of emerging ultraviolet optoelectronic devices.

Superlattices and Microstructures

If both stars collide, they will be reduced to a lesser size within the same type of object.

Wikipedia

The lighthouse on North Island flanking Winyah Bay collapsed under high winds, and in Georgetown proper, the hurricane was considered to be the worst since the 1804 Antigua Charleston hurricane, despite its storm surge being of a lesser size.

Wikipedia

Synchronistically, during the very week the 2012 NDAA was passed, the Russian scientist Dr. Igor Semiletov reported that methane plumes over 1000 meters across were erupting in the Arctic Ocean and that he had mapped over 100 eruptions of lesser size in a 10,000 square mile area.

Huffington Post

Moreover, everything being equal, juveniles fish that are small may attain a lesser size than large ones and may therefore be likely to suffer less from fishing selection.

Evolutionary Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It's in everyone's budget with bulk and lesser sizes.

WikiHow

You can use + or - to search for greater or lesser sizes.

WikiHow

As a result, the new mitochondrial reference genome deposited at ENA has a length that is slightly lesser in size at 95,638 bp, compared to the original size of 95,676 bp.

BMC Genomics

The results obtained from the experiments show the use of the solid lubricant with lesser particle size provide effective thin film thickness in comparison with larger particle size.

Surface and Coatings Technology

They are, if anything, a new "Greatest Generation" both in terms of voting patterns and, to a lesser extent, size – though we can still expect the Millennials to grow somewhat as a percentage of the electorate, since people are more likely to vote as they get older.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "lesser size" is understandable, consider using "smaller size" as it is generally more common and clearer in most contexts.

Common error

Avoid overusing "lesser size" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more common alternatives like "smaller size" or "reduced size" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lesser size" functions as a descriptive attribute, modifying a noun to indicate a dimension that is smaller or of reduced magnitude. As Ludwig suggests, alternatives such as "smaller size" are more commonly employed.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lesser size" is a grammatically acceptable, though somewhat uncommon, way to describe something as being smaller. While understandable, Ludwig AI suggests "smaller size" is the more common and often preferred alternative. Usage spans across scientific, news, and wiki contexts. When deciding whether to use this phrase, consider your audience and the desired level of formality; in many cases, simpler alternatives will be more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smaller size

Replaces "lesser" with the more common adjective "smaller".

reduced size

Uses "reduced" to emphasize a decrease in size.

diminished size

Emphasizes a significant reduction in size.

decreased size

Similar to reduced size, but with a slightly more formal tone.

smaller dimensions

Replaces "size" with the more specific term "dimensions".

minor size

Emphasizes the relatively small difference in size.

lower size

Uses "lower" as a synonym for "lesser", indicating a reduction.

compact size

Highlights the attribute of being small and space-saving.

miniature size

Implies a very small size, often smaller than expected.

truncated size

Focuses on the idea of the size being cut short or limited.

FAQs

What does "lesser size" mean?

The phrase "lesser size" means a smaller or reduced dimension. It indicates that something is smaller than another item or a standard reference point.

What can I say instead of "lesser size"?

You can use alternatives like "smaller size", "reduced size", or "diminished size" depending on the context.

Is "lesser size" grammatically correct?

Yes, "lesser size" is grammatically correct, but it's less common than "smaller size". The latter is often preferred for clarity.

How do I use "lesser size" in a sentence?

You can use "lesser size" to compare the dimensions of two or more things, such as, "The product is available in a lesser size for travel purposes."