weaken - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
weaken Word Meanings
- to make something less strong or powerful
- to become weaker
- to diminish in strength or intensity
weaken Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
weaken Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈwiː.kən/
US
/ˈwiː.kən/
weaken Word Etymology
weaken: weak + -en (to make). Origin: Old English wēacian → Middle English. Memory image: Picture a strong sturdy tree that starts to lose its leaves and strength in autumn, symbolizing weakening.
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 InputEnglish Brain Route
I grip the stove knob and turn it a notch, watching the flame drop and the room shift from bright to calmer. I keep turning, feeling the heat ease and the air grow lighter as the energy begins to weaken. My arms protest with a small tremor, and the strength behind each motion fades a little. That slow change stays with me, a reminder of how pushing too hard without adjusting leaves things weaker.
Real Context
Weaken means to reduce the strength, power, or effectiveness of something, either by gradual decline or by making it less strong than it was. It can describe physical things, like a structure, a muscle, or a tool, but it also applies to non-physical things such as confidence, influence, or defenses. The word can be used transitively to weaken the argument or intransitively as the engine weakened after the long run. Learn to notice the object or condition that loses strength, and pay attention to adjectives like slightly, significantly, or gradually to indicate degree. In everyday speech, people often contrast weaken with strengthen to describe opposing changes.
Usage Reminders
- Understand that weaken can take an object or be intransitive
- Use degree adverbs like slightly, significantly, or gradually
- Distinguish weaken from break or destroy
- In physics, weakening describes reduced strength without immediate failure
- Pair weaken with abstract nouns like confidence, defenses, or influence
Common Misconceptions
- Weaken means to break or destroy something
- Weaken only describes physical objects
- Weaken always implies a sudden failure
- Weaken is never used with abstract concepts
- Weaken and weaken the authority always have negative connotations
Thinking Differences
English tends to frame weaken as a gradual loss of strength, often contrasted with strengthen; learners often misread it as destroying or failing completely.
Learning Tips
- Remember the memory image: a sturdy tree losing strength in autumn
- Practice with both physical objects and abstract concepts
- Pair weaken with strengthen to see the opposite change
- Use degree adverbs to show how much strength is lost
- Distinguish weaken from break or destroy
- Create collocations like weaken the argument, weaken defenses
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'weaken'?
A.Diminish
B.Strengthen
C.Enhance
D.Boost
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'weaken' correctly?
A.The new medicine will weaken the patient's condition.
B.Eating fruits helps to weaken your energy levels.
C.Exercise can weaken mental health.
D.Watering plants regularly can weaken their growth.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'weaken'?
A.Disappear
B.Strengthen
C.Divide
D.Improve
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of the word 'weaken'?
A.Empower
B.Decrease
C.Boost
D.Break
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario where something can be 'weakened'?
A.A chef's skills in cooking.
B.A car's speed in a race.
C.A student's confidence before a big exam.
D.A computer's memory capacity.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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