Abating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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abating
[əˈbeɪtɪŋ ]
Definition
diminishing intensity
Abating refers to the process of decreasing in intensity, amount, or degree. It is often used in relation to things like noise, pain, or legal penalties. The term implies a gradual reduction rather than an abrupt end.
Synonyms
decreasing, diminishing, lessening, reducing.
Examples of usage
- The storm is abating, allowing us to go outside again.
- Her symptoms began abating after she took the medication.
- The noise from the construction site is abating as the workers finish for the day.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Usage in Law
- In legal contexts, 'abating' often refers to the reduction of nuisances or harmful activities.
- A property owner can seek abatement of property taxes when its value decreases.
- Environmental regulations may also involve abating pollution to protect ecosystems.
Weather Phenomena
- Used to describe the gradual easing of severe weather conditions, such as storms or heavy winds.
- The term is often found in meteorology to indicate that a weather front is losing intensity.
- Abating rainfall can lead to clear skies and improved conditions for outdoor activities.
Psychological Concepts
- In psychology, 'abating' can describe the reduction of anxiety or fear during therapeutic processes.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy often focuses on helping individuals experience a gradual abatement of overwhelming emotions.
- By identifying triggers, a person can work towards abating symptoms of distress.
Art and Literature
- Abating is a theme in literature, often depicting characters who experience a decline in emotional turmoil.
- Symbolically, an artist might express abating feelings through the use of lighter colors or softer brush strokes.
- In poetry, the concept often emphasizes the transition from chaos to calm, reflecting on life's ebb and flow.
Origin of 'abating'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Old French term 'abattre', meaning 'to beat down'.
- It has roots in Middle English, where it was used to express reduction in intensity.
- The '-ing' suffix indicates an action that is currently happening or continuing.
The word 'abate' originates from the Middle English 'abaten,' which itself comes from the Old French word 'abattre,' meaning 'to beat down' or 'to strike down.' This can be traced back further to the Latin 'battuere,' meaning 'to beat.' Over time, the meaning evolved to encompass a reduction or decrease in intensity, particularly in legal contexts referring to the lowering of penalties or charges. The nuanced development reflects an understanding of diminishing rather than complete cessation, making the term widely applicable in various modern contexts such as weather conditions, emotional states, and even economic discussions.