lessen
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈlɛsən/
KK: /ˈlɛsən/
intransitive verb
Definition
To become smaller in amount, degree, or intensity; to decrease.
Example
The pain will lessen over time.
Tense Forms
Past: lessened
Past Participle: lessened
Conversation
I've noticed that my stress levels have started to lessen lately.
That's great to hear! What do you think is helping?
I've been trying to meditate more often, and it really seems to work.
Meditation can definitely help! I should give it a try too.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
diminish
reduce
abate
Antonyms
increase
grow
expand
transitive verb
Definition
To make something smaller in amount, degree, or size.
Example
The doctor advised me to lessen my sugar intake for better health.
Tense Forms
Past: lessened
Past Participle: lessened
Conversation
I’ve been trying to find ways to lessen my stress lately.
That sounds like a good idea! What have you tried so far?
I've started meditating and it really seems to help lessen my worries.
Root Explanation
Lessen → It is formed from "less" (from Old English "leas", meaning smaller or lesser) and "-en" (a suffix used to form verbs indicating to make or become). The word "lessen" means to make something smaller or to reduce it.
Memory Tip
Think of making something "smaller" ("less") — the "-en" means to make it so. This helps you remember that lessen means to make something smaller.
Visually Confused Words
essene