That which is the less is held to be imported into the contract; (i.e., A. offers to hire B.'s house at six hundred dollars, at the same time B. offers to let it for five hundred dollars; the contract is for five hundred dollars.).

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) When the parties' offers differ, the contract is formed at the lower figure — the law resolves an ambiguity of amount by imputing the lesser obligation.

Where this applies

• A offers to rent a house for $600 a month and B offers to rent it out for $500 — the contract is formed at the lower figure of $500.
• A buyer offers $10,000 for a car while the seller asks $8,000, and the contract is deemed to be for $8,000 because the lesser amount is imported into the agreement.
• Two parties negotiate a service fee and their written proposals state different amounts — the court applies the lower figure as the contract price.