lessen
to become less.
to make less; reduce.
Archaic. to represent as less; depreciate; disparage.
Origin of lessen
1Other words from lessen
- un·less·ened, adjective
Words that may be confused with lessen
- lessen , lesson
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use lessen in a sentence
The vaccine, which requires two shots spaced a month apart, may also lessen severity of the disease.
New Pfizer results show its COVID-19 vaccine is nearly 95% effective | Tina Hesman Saey | November 18, 2020 | Science NewsIt is less clear whether masks — by potentially stanching some, but not all, incoming viral particles — might also lessen the severity of illness.
Wearing a mask isn’t just about protecting other people, the CDC says. It can help you — and might prevent lockdowns. | Ben Guarino, Lena H. Sun, Ariana Eunjung Cha | November 12, 2020 | Washington PostIn other words, a high level of skill didn’t lessen the noise distraction.
Please Get Your Noise Out of My Ears (Ep. 439) | Stephen J. Dubner | November 12, 2020 | FreakonomicsNBCUniversal’s Peacock is now live on RokuThese moves by streaming services ultimately hurt Roku customers, so the option to stream content from a supported device, like an iPhone, would help lessen the blow.
Roku rolls out AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support to 4K devices | Sarah Perez | November 11, 2020 | TechCrunchOrganic foods are more nutritious, having more antioxidants, and people with food allergies find their symptoms lessen if they eat only organic foods.
The value of the slave is everyday lessening; his burden on his master daily increasing.
What Did Thomas Jefferson Really Think About Slavery? | Jan Ellen Lewis | October 17, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTNow 72, she says she has been graced with great genes and is experiencing no lessening in her energy.
Nancy Pelosi’s Tireless Obamacare Push Vindicated by Supreme Court Ruling | Eleanor Clift | July 4, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTWhile job losses per month may be lessening, there is a stunning dearth of new job creation.
The heat of drunkenness is the stumblingblock of the fool, lessening strength and causing wounds.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version | VariousHe added that lessening clause, remembering, quite simply, how much more brilliant he was than Nigel.
Bella Donna | Robert HichensShe had never seemed more precious to him and for an instant he could feel his fear lessening a little.
The Man from Time | Frank Belknap LongYour agreeing to this will only immeasurably deepen, instead of lessening our inexpressible obligation.'
Robin Redbreast | Mary Louisa MolesworthWhat the result will be is uncertain; but to be thus braved by a scoundrel will be lessening the dignity of our government.
The Expeditions of Zebulon Montgomery Pike, Volume II (of 3) | Elliott Coues
British Dictionary definitions for lessen
/ (ˈlɛsən) /
to make or become less
(tr) to make little of
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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