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Intermediate Dictionary
       

less·en

lessen

 
 
pronunciation:
le sn
parts of speech:
verb, transitive verb
features:
Homophone Note, Word Parts
part of speech: verb
inflections: lessens, lessening, lessened
definition: to become smaller in amount or size.
The wind lessened as the storm ended.
synonyms:
abate, decrease, diminish, lower, reduce, subside
antonyms:
increase
similar words:
abridge, cool, decline, dwindle, ebb, fall, let up, lighten, moderate, shrink, wane
 
part of speech: transitive verb
definition: to make smaller in degree, amount, or size.
The chef lessened the cooking time, and the dish turned out better than before.
synonyms:
decrease, diminish, lower, reduce
similar words:
minimize
Homophone Note
Are you looking for the word lesson? Lessen and lesson sound alike but have different meanings.
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