The phrase "less is more" implies that simplicity and clarity lead to good design. It's frequently associated with minimalism, decluttering, and aesthetic judgments, where having fewer but more meaningful elements is considered more valuable or impactful.
In short:
"Less is more" means that simplicity and minimalism can often lead to more effective results than complexity or excess.
The phrase "less is more" emphasizes the concept of choosing a minimalist approach, which concentrates on a select few impactful and significant elements. This can lead to a more effective and profound experience than when using a complicated, cluttered method. If you're employing the "less is more" philosophy, you're choosing to simplify, focusing on quality over quantity.
Key aspects of the idiom's meaning include:
The phrase "less is more" was first popularized by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe as a precept for minimalist design and architecture. The phrase suggests that beauty and functionality emerge from purity and simplicity rather than complexity or ornamentation.
"Its striking silhouette is the most obvious result of this "less is more" approach, but only hints at even more dramatic interior innovations."
- Popular Mechanics, 1970
Here are some examples of using the idiom in sentences:
The phrase "less is more" often appears in contexts discussing art, design, lifestyle, and culture, emphasizing the power of simplicity and minimalism.
Some examples include:
There are several alternative expressions that convey a similar meaning to "less is more."
Some of these include:
You can use these alternatives interchangeably depending on the context and the level of minimalism or simplicity involved.
"Less is more" refers to the idea that simplicity and clarity often result in good design or effective outcomes. It promotes the concept of minimalism and quality over quantity.
You can use "less is more" in a sentence to describe scenarios where a simpler approach was more effective, or to recommend a minimalist strategy in design, art, lifestyle, and other contexts.
The phrase "less is more" was popularized by the architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe as a guiding principle for minimalist design and architecture.
Yes, the phrase can be used in both formal and informal written communication, from academic papers and business reports to casual emails and social media posts.
"Less is more" is a universal idiom understood across English-speaking regions, with no notable regional variations.
Yes, the phrase "less is more" is not context-specific and can be used by anyone in conversations about design, lifestyle, art, or other related topics.
Yes, it can be used when discussing a group's actions or decisions, such as "the team believed that less is more."
Yes, the idiom "less is more" is often used to convey simplicity and minimalism in various contexts, from design to lifestyle.
"Less is more" advocates for simplicity and minimalism, while "more is more" encourages extravagance or abundance. The appropriate phrase depends on whether a minimalist or maximalist approach is more suitable.
Yes, "less is more" is often used in design contexts, where it supports the principle of minimalism and the idea that simplicity can lead to more effective designs.
The idiom "less is more" is a powerful principle that champions simplicity and minimalism. It reflects the belief that decluttering and focusing on quality over quantity often leads to more effective results.
Key aspects of the phrase:
Remember, the idiom expresses a philosophy that simplicity can lead to more effective outcomes. So, it's often most relevant in contexts where decluttering, focusing on essentials, and emphasizing quality over quantity can be beneficial.
