Lest vs. Less — What's the Difference?

For fear that

Not as great in amount or quantity

So that someone or something not; in case someone or something might

Lower in importance, esteem, or rank

For fear that; that not; in order to prevent something from happening; in case.

Consisting of a smaller number.

(after certain expressions denoting fear or apprehension) that (without the negative particle; introduces the reason for an emotion.)

With the deduction of; minus

To listen.

To a smaller extent, degree, or frequency

Lust; desire; pleasure.

A smaller amount

Last; least.

Something not as important as something else

For fear that; that . . . not; in order that . . . not.

Comparative of little

That (without the negative particle); - after certain expressions denoting fear or apprehension.

Used for constructing syntactic diminutive comparatives of adjectives and adverbs.

For fear that;

To a smaller extent or degree.

That (after verbs explicitly expressing fear etc.);

(Now chiefly of numbers or dimensions) little; of inferior size, degree or extent; smaller, lesser.

A smaller amount of; not as much.

Fewer; a smaller number of.

Minus; not including

(archaic) To make less; to lessen.

(archaic) Lesser; smaller.

A smaller amount or quantity.

Unless

Unless.

Smaller; not so large or great; not so much; shorter; inferior; as, a less quantity or number; a horse of less size or value; in less time than before.

Not so much; in a smaller or lower degree; as, less bright or loud; less beautiful.

A smaller portion or quantity.

The inferior, younger, or smaller.

To make less; to lessen.

(comparative of `little' usually used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning not as great in amount or degree;

(usually preceded by `no') lower in quality;

(usually preceded by `no') lower in esteem;

(nonstandard in some uses but often idiomatic with measure phrases) fewer;

Used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs;

Comparative of little;