Dictionary
lessen
verb less·en \ˈle-sən\
: to become less or to cause (something) to become less
less·enedless·en·ing \ˈles-niŋ, ˈle-sən-iŋ\
Full Definition of LESSEN
intransitive verb
: to shrink in size, number, or degree : decrease
transitive verb
1
: to reduce in size, extent, or degree
2
a archaic : to represent as of little value b : to lower in status or dignity : degrade
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First Known Use of LESSEN
13th century
Related to LESSEN
Synonym Discussion of LESSEN
decrease, lessen, diminish, reduce, abate, dwindle mean to grow or make less. decrease suggests a progressive decline in size, amount, numbers, or intensity <slowly decreased the amount of pressure>. lessen suggests a decline in amount rather than in number <has been unable to lessen her debt>. diminish emphasizes a perceptible loss and implies its subtraction from a total <his visual acuity has diminished>. reduce implies a bringing down or lowering <you must reduce your caloric intake>. abate implies a reducing of something excessive or oppressive in force or amount <the storm abated>. dwindle implies progressive lessening and is applied to things growing visibly smaller <their provisions dwindled slowly>.
LESSEN Defined for Kids
lessen
verb less·en \ˈle-sən\
less·enedless·en·ing
Definition of LESSEN for Kids
: to make or become fewer or smaller in amount
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