Abate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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abate
[əˈbeɪt ]
Definitions
reduce
to make something less strong or widespread
Synonyms
decrease, diminish, lessen, subside.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| abate |
This word is often used in formal contexts to describe the reduction of something negative like pain, intensity, or emotions.
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| diminish |
Used when talking about reducing the importance, size, or intensity of something, often implying a continuous process.
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| decrease |
Suitable for general usage and applicable in various contexts like numbers, amounts, or levels.
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| lessen |
Appropriate when referring to a reduction in severity, degree, or impact, commonly used in discussions about negative effects or feelings.
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| subside |
Best used to describe the diminishing of more natural phenomena, emotions, or physical sensations. It often implies a gradual reduction until the condition becomes calm or normal.
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Examples of usage
- The storm had started to abate.
- The noise outside gradually abated.
- The pain began to abate after taking the medication.
law
to put an end to a lawsuit or court order
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| abate |
Used to describe a reduction in the intensity or amount of something negative, such as noise, pain, or a storm.
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| terminate |
Used when something is brought to an end, like a contract, relationship, or process.
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| dismiss |
Used to describe the act of rejecting an idea or discharging someone from a job or responsibility. Often used in a negative sense.
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| quash |
Used to describe the action of stopping something, often legally or officially, like a rumor, rebellion, or legal decision.
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Examples of usage
- The judge decided to abate the case due to lack of evidence.
legal
a reduction in the level or intensity of something
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| abate |
This word is often used in formal situations or in legal contexts to describe something becoming less intense or less severe.
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| decline |
Commonly used to indicate a gradual reduction in quantity, quality, or importance. It can also denote a polite refusal.
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| decrease |
Utilized in everyday language to describe something becoming smaller in size, amount, or number.
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| lessening |
Often used to describe a reduction in something perceived as negative, such as pain or fear.
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Examples of usage
- The abate in noise pollution was noticeable after the new regulations.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Law
- In legal terms, to abate can refer to stopping a lawsuit or a complaint before it goes to trial.
- Environmental law often uses 'abate' to describe actions taken to reduce pollution or to address violations.
- A nuisance claim can be abated through various remedies, showing the practical side of reducing issues in law.
Science
- In meteorology, when a storm abates, it means the intensity of the storm decreases, leading to improved weather conditions.
- In chemistry, reaction conditions may abate to lower rates, affecting the behavior of substances during experiments.
- The term is also used in medicine to describe a decrease in the severity of symptoms, such as pain or fever.
Finance
- In finance, one might talk about abating costs as a means of reducing expenses or finding savings during budget cuts.
- Tax abatement programs are designed to lower the tax burden for individuals or businesses as an incentive for investment.
- Economic policies sometimes aim to abate inflation by controlling the money supply.
Cultural References
- In literature, characters often seek to abate their suffering through introspection or changing their circumstances.
- Songs may reflect feelings that abate over time, illustrating the natural ebb and flow of emotions in human experience.
- The phrase 'abate one's fears' often appears in motivational speeches, encouraging individuals to face their anxieties.
Origin of 'abate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'abattre,' which means 'to beat down' or 'to reduce.'
- It has roots in the Latin word 'battere,' which means 'to beat or strike.' This reflects the idea of reducing something.
- Originally used in legal contexts, it referred to diminishing fines or penalties.
The word 'abate' originated from the Old French word 'abatre' meaning 'to beat down'. Over time, the meaning evolved to signify a reduction or decrease in intensity. The use of 'abate' in legal contexts dates back to medieval times when it was used to describe the ending of a legal action. Today, 'abate' is commonly used to indicate the lessening or diminishing of something.