lessened
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈlɛsənd/
KK: /ˈlɛsənd/
adjective
Definition
Reduced in amount, degree, or intensity.
Example
The pain has lessened since I took the medicine.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: less
Superlative: least
Conversation
I feel like my stress has really lessened this week.
That's great to hear! What do you think helped?
I think spending time with friends has definitely helped me relax.
Absolutely! Quality time can really make a difference.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
diminished
reduced
mitigated
Antonyms
increased
amplified
intensified
verb
Definition
To make something smaller in amount, degree, or size.
Example
The new policy has lessened the amount of waste produced by the factory.
Tense Forms
Past: lessened
Past Participle: lessened
Conversation
I really feel like my stress has lessened since I started meditating.
That’s great to hear! Meditation can really help with that.
Yeah, I didn’t expect it to make such a big difference.
Root Explanation
Lessened → It is formed from "less" (from Old English "leas", meaning smaller in amount or degree) and "-en" (a suffix used to form verbs indicating to make or become). The word "lessened" means to make or become smaller in amount or degree.
Memory Tip
Think of making something "smaller" ("less") — the suffix "-en" indicates the action of making it so. This helps you remember that "lessened" means to make something smaller.
Visually Confused Words
unlessened
essene
essence
blessed