lesser

Lesser is an English word that can function as an adjective or a surname. As an adjective, lesser serves as the comparative form of little in the sense of smaller in size, amount, degree, or importance. It is used to indicate a relative difference between two or more items, such as in phrases like the lesser concern or the lesser-known species.

In geography and biology, lesser is often used in compound names to distinguish from corresponding greater forms. Examples include the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean, the lesser spotted woodpecker, the lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros), and the lesser celandine (Ficaria verna). These usages reflect a convention of pairing “lesser” with a “greater” counterpart to describe related species, regions, or features.

As a surname, Lesser is of German and Jewish origin. It is typically a descriptive nickname for someone smaller or younger or a toponymic name, and it is found among various individuals in science, the arts, and public life. The name appears in historical and contemporary contexts, sometimes prompting mentions in biographical or genealogical sources.

Other notable uses include its appearance in established titles and phrases, such as The Lesser Key of Solomon, a medieval grimoire, and common expressions like “the lesser of two evils,” which illustrate the word’s role in contrastive and evaluative language.

See also: Greater.