lessen - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
lessen Word Meanings
- to make something smaller in amount or degree
- to decrease the intensity of something
- to reduce in size or importance
lessen Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
lessen Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈlɛs.ən/
US
/ˈlɛs.ən/
lessen Word Etymology
Less + -en (a verb-forming suffix). Originating from Old English 'lessa' meaning smaller; evolved through Old Norse and Middle English. Imagine a balloon slowly deflating, becoming smaller and smaller.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Less en is a verb meaning to make something smaller in amount or degree, to decrease the intensity of something, or to reduce in size or importance. It often appears with nouns describing quantities (lessen the amount, lessen tension) or with abstract measures (lessen pain, lessen risk). It is slightly more formal than reduce or decrease, and it is commonly used in written or official contexts, policy language, and instructional writing. Common collocations include lessen the impact, lessen the burden, and lessen inflation. When forming the past tense, use lessened; the noun form is lesson, which is unrelated. Imagining a balloon slowly deflating can help remember the idea.
Usage Reminders
- Keep it formal when discussing policy; avoid using lessen for small, everyday reductions; remember lessened vs lesson; pair with measurable nouns; check for collocations; use past tense lessened in time contexts.
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing lessen with lessen? No, different word shapes; confuse with lessen <= less + en? Not relevant
- Mistaking it for 'lesson' due to spelling similarity
- Assuming it always refers to physical size rather than degree or intensity
- Using lessen with count nouns without a measurable quantity
- Thinking less en is a phrasal verb about teaching or learning
Thinking Differences
English speakers often think of exposure to degree or intensity, so less en fits abstract ideas (tension, inflation) more than purely physical size; non-native learners may confuse with reduce or decrease in everyday speech.
Learning Tips
- Visualize a deflating balloon to remember the core idea
- Pair with abstract nouns like tension, inflation, or burden
- Note past tense lessened and avoid confusing with lesson
- Use in formal contexts first, then in professional writing
- Practice with verb phrases like lessen the impact or lessen the burden
- Check collocations in corpora to see natural usage
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'lessen'?
A.Expand
B.Increase
C.Decrease
D.Multiply
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'lessen' correctly?
A.Eating more will lessen your hunger.
B.I hope the rain will lessen my thirst.
C.Exercise will lessen the number on the scale.
D.Reading more books will lessen your knowledge.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'lessen'?
A.Grow
B.Diminish
C.Augment
D.Escalate
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'lessen'?
A.Expand
B.Shrink
C.Increase
D.Multiply
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where something might 'lessen'?
A.Studying hard to improve your grades.
B.Buying groceries because prices lessen in the sale season.
C.Eating a big meal to feel full.
D.Practicing a hobby to become better at it.
Related Listening
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