Lessen Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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lessen
[ˈlɛsən ]
Definitions
education
To make or become smaller in size, amount, degree, or importance.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| lessen |
Used when you want to make something smaller or not as intense. Often appears in emotional or abstract contexts.
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| reduce |
Typically used when you want to lower the size, amount, or degree of something. Very common in everyday language.
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| decrease |
Usually used when talking about numbers, amounts, or measurable quantities. More formal and precise.
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| diminish |
Often used to imply that something is being reduced in importance, size, or value. Can carry a slightly negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The teacher decided to lessen the amount of homework given to the students.
- She hoped that her efforts would lessen the impact of the pandemic on her community.
pain
To make or become less severe or intense.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| lessen |
Used when you want to reduce the amount, intensity, or severity of something. It is a relatively neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
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| alleviate |
Typically used in a medical or emotional context, to imply making a problem or suffering less severe. Often found in formal or medical jargon.
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| ease |
Commonly used to describe making something less severe or easier to deal with. Often applied in both physical and emotional contexts, and it has a relatively positive or comforting connotation.
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| diminish |
Implies reducing something in size, importance, or intensity. Often carries a slight negative connotation, as it may imply that something important is being reduced.
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Examples of usage
- He took some painkillers to lessen the pain in his knee.
- Her kind words lessened the sadness in his heart.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research suggests that feelings of anxiety can lessen when a person engages in deep breathing exercises.
- Practicing gratitude has been shown to lessen negative feelings and increase overall happiness.
- Therapeutic techniques often aim to lessen the impact of traumatic memories through various coping strategies.
Pop Culture
- In various movies, characters often find ways to lessen their problems by seeking advice from friends or mentors.
- Songs that convey themes of heartache often include messages on how to lessen the pain of lost love.
- Literature frequently addresses how characters strive to lessen their fears in the face of adversity.
Everyday Life
- People often lessen their expenses by creating budgets and cutting unnecessary costs.
- Many workouts are designed to lessen the risk of injury by focusing on proper techniques.
- Using reminders and tools can help lessen the likelihood of forgetting important tasks or events.
Education
- Teachers often implement strategies to lessen students' stress during examination periods.
- Classroom activities aimed at teamwork can lessen competition, fostering a more collaborative environment.
- Educational games often aim to lessen the difficulty of complex subjects by making them more engaging and understandable.
Origin of 'lessen'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'lessa', which means smaller or lesser.
- In Middle English, it evolved into 'lessen', combining the idea of 'less' with a verb form.
- The prefix 'less-' is found in many other words, which also imply reduction, such as 'lessen' and 'endless'.
The word 'lessen' originated from the Middle English word 'lessenen', which in turn came from the Old French word 'lesser', meaning 'to make less'. The word has been used in the English language since the 14th century.
See also: less, lessee, lessened, lessening, lesser, lesson, lessons, lessor, unless.