lessen

pronunciation

How to pronounce lessen in British English: UK [ˈlesn] word uk audio image

How to pronounce lessen in American English: US [ˈlesn] word us audio image

Verb:

decrease in size, extent, or range
make smaller
wear off or die down

Word Origin

lessen (v.): "to become less," c. 1300, from less + -en (1). Related: Lessened; lessening.

Synonym

v.

subtract decimate thin away deduct out take deplete

v.

bate decrease mitigate relax abate diminish lower slacken moderate ebb

v.

soothe quell underestimate extenuate allay modify temper softpedal ease relieve palliate moderate mollify assuage appease lighten alleviate

v.

reduce constrict narrow condense clip contract abbreviate minify shrink truncate shorten cut curtail short retrench pare abridge

v.

dwindle fade decline away waste attenuate wane decay melt fail languish weaken erode wither shrivel

Antonym

vt. & vi.

Example

1. Any strategies to lessen the hassle become cherished keepsakes .

2. It would lessen resistance to firm action in the us .

3. This did not lessen the enthusiasm of eurosceptics for bashing the document .

4. But better anaesthesia choices can lessen the impact .

5. They have been installed to lessen air resistance and consequently fuel consumption .

more: >How to Use "lessen" with Example Sentences