Lessen: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when you want to make something smaller or not as intense. Often appears in emotional or abstract contexts.

• She took some medicine to lessen the pain.
• They tried to lessen the impact of the news.

Typically used when you want to lower the size, amount, or degree of something. Very common in everyday language.

• They need to reduce their expenses to save money.
• Exercising regularly can help reduce stress.

Usually used when talking about numbers, amounts, or measurable quantities. More formal and precise.

• The company aims to decrease its carbon footprint by 20% this year.
• The number of visitors to the park has decreased significantly.

Often used to imply that something is being reduced in importance, size, or value. Can carry a slightly negative connotation.

• Over time, the value of the property may diminish.
• He felt his role in the project was being diminished.

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.

• Taking breaks can help lessen stress
• The storm's intensity will likely lessen by the evening

Typically used in a medical or emotional context, to imply making a problem or suffering less severe. Often found in formal or medical jargon.

• The doctor prescribed medication to alleviate the pain
• Community support can alleviate the feeling of loneliness

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.

• The ice pack helped ease the swelling
• Meditation can ease stress and anxiety

Implies reducing something in size, importance, or intensity. Often carries a slight negative connotation, as it may imply that something important is being reduced.

• His constant interruptions began to diminish her confidence
• Over time, the value of the property may diminish