lesser /ˈlɛsə/

• 1. 

  ADJ You use lesser in order to indicate that something is smaller in extent, degree, or amount than another thing that has been mentioned. (范围或程度) 较小的; (数量) 较少的 [ADJ n, 'the' ADJ 'of' n]

  例：

  No medication works in isolation but is affected to a greater or lesser extent by many other factors.

  任何药都不能独立起效果，而是或多或少地受到很多其它因素的影响。

• 2. 

  ADV Lesser is also an adverb. (范围或程度) 较小地; (数量) 较少地 [ADV -ed]

  例：

  ...lesser known works by famous artists.

  …著名艺术家创作的名气较小的作品。

• 3. 

  ADJ You can use lesser to refer to something or someone that is less important than other things or people of the same type. 次要的; 较轻的 [ADJ n, 'the' ADJ 'of' n]

  例：

  They pleaded guilty to lesser charges of criminal damage.

  他们对较轻的刑事伤害罪的指控服罪。

• 4. 

  the lesser of two evils →see evil