fewer
Translation
fewer, a smaller number of
Examples
There are fewer students this year.
There are fewer students this year.
Fewer than 20 people attended the meeting.
Fewer than 20 people attended the meeting.
Grammar Patterns
((+ plural noun)) a smaller number of There are fewer cars today.
((than ...)) used for comparison Fewer people came than expected.
Similar Words
Antonyms: more. Note the difference with 'less', which is used for uncountable nouns.
Etymology
The comparative form of 'few'. The '-er' suffix indicates comparison.
Memory Tips
A common grammar rule: 'fewer' is for countable items (fewer coins), 'less' is for uncountable amounts (less sand).