Quick answer
Lessen is a verb meaning to make something smaller or weaker. A lesson is something taught or learned. Memory hook: lessen contains less, and lesson contains son, so think of a lesson given to a son.
The core difference
Lessen means to reduce, while lesson is a noun for a unit of teaching or something learned.
- lessen — to reduce or become smaller: Regular exercise can lessen the risk of heart disease.
- lesson — a period of teaching, or something learned: She takes piano lessons every Tuesday afternoon.
How to tell them apart
These two sound very alike, especially when spoken quickly. Ask what job the word does: an action of reducing needs lessen, while a class or a moral learned needs lesson.
The error tends to appear when someone writes learn a lessen or lesson the pain. Remember that lessen is built from less, the same way widen is built from wide.
Frequently asked questions
Is it learn a lesson or learn a lessen?
Learn a lesson is correct. Lesson is the noun for something learned.
Is lessen a verb?
Yes. Lessen is a verb meaning to make smaller or to become smaller, as in her pain lessened.
How do I remember which is which?
Lessen has less inside it, so it means to reduce. Lesson is the noun for teaching.
