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lessen

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˈlɛsən/ · UK /ˈlesən/

lessen means: To make something smaller in amount, strength, or importance.

verb

MAKE LESSB2

To make something smaller in amount, strength, or importance.

  • This medicine can lessen the pain.
  • The new rules lessened the risk of accidents.
  • Trees help lessen the impact of heavy rain.

Similar words: reduce, decrease, diminish

Opposites: increase

Common phrases: lessen the pain, lessen the impact, lessen the risk

BECOME LESSB2

To become smaller in amount or strength.

  • The pain began to lessen.
  • Her worries lessened after she spoke to him.
  • Will the pressure lessen over time?

How to use it: lessen in something (The storm lessened in intensity overnight.)

Similar words: decrease, diminish, ease

Opposites: increase

Common phrases: lessen over time, lessen in intensity, begin to lessen

Questions about lessen

What does lessen mean?

To make something smaller in amount, strength, or importance.

What is lessen in other languages?

Türkçe: azaltmak · Español: reducir · Français: réduire · Deutsch: verringern · Italiano: ridurre · 日本語: 減らす

How do you pronounce lessen?

In American English /ˈlɛsən/; in British English /ˈlesən/.

How do you use lessen in a sentence?

This medicine can lessen the pain. The new rules lessened the risk of accidents.

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