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Word a Day

lessen

verb · /ˈlɛsən/ · Level 3 · Advanced

What does lessen mean?

lessen (verb): to make less; to diminish; to reduce.

Definition: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.

How do you use lessen in a sentence?

How do you pronounce lessen?

/ˈlɛsən/ (IPA, American English). The app reads every word aloud.

Where does lessen come from?

From Middle English lessenen, lasnen, equivalent to less + -en (verbal suffix).

Etymology: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.

What are synonyms of lessen?

From Princeton WordNet 3.1.

Test yourself: do you know “lessen”?

Tap an answer to check it. The same questions the app asks.

What does “lessen” mean?

to make less; to diminish; to reduce

Right! That's what “lessen” means.

to rush, flood, or increase suddenly

Not quite: that's what surge means.

(of information) make known; pass on

Not quite: that's what convey means.

use or manipulate to one's advantage

Not quite: that's what exploit means.

Which word is closest in meaning to “lessen”?

forecast

Not quite: forecast means something else.

decrease

Right!

advocate

Not quite: advocate means something else.

interact

Not quite: interact means something else.

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