Lessor vs. Lesser — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 26, 2024
Lessor refers to a party that leases property to another, while lesser denotes something of lower importance or magnitude.
Difference Between Lessor and Lesser
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Lessor is a legal term used to describe an entity or individual who grants possession of their property to another party under the terms of a lease. In contrast, lesser is an adjective that describes something that is smaller or has a lower degree of significance or quality than something else. For instance, when discussing property rental, the lessor is the owner leasing out the property, whereas the term lesser might describe less valuable or smaller properties.
The role of the lessor in any lease agreement is crucial as they hold the title to the property and permit its use by others. Conversely, lesser is not typically used in legal or formal contexts but is employed in everyday language to make qualitative or quantitative comparisons, such as noting that one item is of lesser quality than another.
In practical scenarios, the lessor actively engages in lease contracts, ensuring the terms are upheld and managing the property leased out. On the other hand, the use of lesser is common in discussions where comparisons are made, such as comparing sales or performance metrics, where one might be significantly lesser than expected.
Financially, the lessor assumes a position of income, receiving payments from the lessee. Whereas, using lesser in financial contexts usually relates to reduced amounts or lower-than-expected financial results, indicating a decrement rather than an increment.
Understanding these terms is essential in real estate and legal contexts, where the lessor is a key player in lease agreements. In everyday use, lesser helps articulate reduced scale or importance, assisting in clear communication of status or value differences.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Grants property under a lease.
Of lower importance or magnitude.
Context
Legal, real estate.
General usage.
Connotation
Position of authority or control.
Indicates inferiority.
Financial Impact
Generates income.
Indicates reduction or loss.
Usage in Sentence
"The lessor signed the lease."
"This option is the lesser evil."
Compare with Definitions
Lessor
A person or entity that leases property to another.
The lessor issued a notice for the annual lease renewal.
Lesser
Smaller in size or amount.
He chose the lesser of two evils.
Lessor
The owner of an asset rented to another.
As the lessor, she must ensure the tenants abide by the lease terms.
Lesser
Not as great as something else in status or significance.
Her role in the project was lesser than his.
Lessor
The party granting permission for asset use under a lease agreement.
The lessor updated the lease agreement to reflect new terms.
Lesser
Inferior or secondary compared to another option.
She settled for a role with lesser responsibilities.
Lessor
Someone holding property that others use for a period.
The lessor inspected the property before signing off on the lease.
Lesser
Used to describe diminished conditions or degrees.
The lesser known facts were surprisingly interesting.
Lessor
A legal term in property lease contracts.
The contract clearly stipulates the obligations of the lessor.
Lesser
Lower in importance or quality.
The product's lesser value reflected its cheaper materials.
Lessor
One who leases property; a landlord.
Lesser
Lesser, from Eliezer (Hebrew: אֱלִיעֶזֶר, Modern: Eli'ezer, Tiberian: ʼĔlîʻézer, "Help/Court of my God"), is a surname. Notable people with the surname include: Adolf Lesser (1851–1926), German physician Aleksander Lesser (1814–1884), Polish painter and art critic Anton Lesser (born 1952), British actor Axel Lesser (born 1946), East German cross country skier Edmund Lesser (1852–1918), German dermatologist Erik Lesser (born 1988), German biathlete Gabriele Lesser (born 1960), German historian and journalist George Lesser, American musician Gerald S. Lesser (1926–2010), American psychologist Henry Lesser (born 1963), German footballer J Lesser (born 1970), American musician Len Lesser (1922–2011), American actor Louis Lesser (born 1916), American real estate developer Matt Lesser, Connecticut politician Mike Lesser (born 1943), British mathematical philosopher and political activist Milton Lesser or Stephen Marlowe (1928–2008), American author Norman Lesser (1902–1985), Anglican bishop and Archbishop of New Zealand Otto Lesser (1830–1887), German astronomer Rika Lesser (born 1953), American poet Robert Lesser (born 1942), American actor Rosa Lesser, Austrian luger Ryan Lesser, Rhode Island video game designer Sam Lesser or Sam Russell (1915–2010), British journalist and Spanish Civil War veteran Sol Lesser (1890–1980), American film producer Stephen A. Lesser (born 1944), American architect Virginia Lesser, American statistician Wendy Lesser (born 1952), American author, editor and critic Werner Lesser (1932–2005), East German ski jumperLesser is also a given name.
Lessor
(property law) The owner of property that is leased; the landlord to a lease.
Lesser
Smaller in amount, value, or importance, especially in a comparison between two things
Chose the lesser evil.
Lessor
One who leases; the person who lets to farm, or gives a lease.
Lesser
Of a smaller size than other, similar forms
The lesser anteater.
Lessor
Someone who grants a lease
Lesser
Less. Used before a participle
A lesser-known writer.
Lesser
One that is lower in importance, rank, magnitude, or degree
The lesser of two evils.
Lesser
Of two (or, rarely, more than two) things: the smaller in size (littler), in value, in importance etc.
Lesser panda, lesser yellowlegs''
Lesser
A thing that is of smaller size, value, importance etc.
The lesser of two evils
The greater sand hills increasingly do not migrate, but almost all lessers do.
Lesser
Less; smaller; inferior.
God made . . . the lesser light to rule the night.
The more my prayer, the lesser is my grace.
The larger here, and there the lesser lambs.
By the same reason may a man, in the state of nature, punish the lesser breaches of the law.
Lesser
Less.
Lesser
Of less size or importance;
The lesser anteater
The lesser of two evils
Lesser
Smaller in size or amount or value;
The lesser powers of Europe
The lesser anteater
Common Curiosities
How is lesser used in a sentence?
Lesser is used to describe something that is not as significant or sizable, e.g., opting for the lesser of two complications.
What is a lessor?
A lessor is an individual or entity that leases property to a lessee.
Can a company be a lessor?
Yes, companies often act as lessors when they lease out equipment, vehicles, or buildings.
What responsibilities does a lessor have?
A lessor is responsible for maintaining the property and ensuring the lease terms are upheld.
How is the term lesser used in comparisons?
Lesser is used to highlight that one element is not as impactful or significant as another.
What legal protections do lessors have?
Lessors are protected by lease agreements and property laws that ensure they can reclaim their property and receive due payments.
What does lesser mean?
Lesser means smaller in size, lower in importance, or inferior in quality.
Is lesser a negative term?
While lesser can imply a negative comparison, it primarily denotes a smaller or less significant status.
Can lesser be used in positive contexts?
Yes, sometimes lesser is used positively, as in "lesser known" to describe something uniquely valuable despite not being widely recognized.
How do people commonly misunderstand the term lesser?
People may interpret lesser as strictly pejorative, although it often simply describes relative difference in size or importance.
What rights does a lessor have?
Lessors have the right to receive payments, inspect the property, and enforce lease terms.
What kind of properties can a lessor lease?
A lessor can lease any type of property, including residential, commercial, or personal property like vehicles or equipment.
How can lesser be applied in financial contexts?
Lesser can describe lower earnings or reduced financial expectations.
What happens if a lessor breaches the lease agreement?
Breaches by the lessor can lead to legal actions or penalties as stipulated in the lease.
Does lesser always mean something negative?
Not always; it often just indicates a comparison where one item is not as large or important as another.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
