How to pronounce lesser
Say it like LES-er. Lesser has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce lesser. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LES
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Lesser pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of lesser
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: LES-uh.
What does lesser mean?
- of less size or importance“the lesser anteater”“the lesser of two evils”
- smaller in size or amount or value“the lesser powers of Europe”“the lesser anteater”
Where does lesser come from?
From less + -er.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with lesser
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of lesser.
Questions about saying lesser
How do you pronounce lesser?
Say LES-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈlɛsɚ/. In British English it is /ˈlɛsə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in lesser?
Lesser has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LES). Broken into parts: LES · er.
Is lesser pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈlɛsə/ (LES-uh).