lessen
LEH-suhn
Lessen (verb) means to make something smaller in size, degree, or intensity; to reduce it. Example: “Regular exercise can lessen the risk of heart disease.”
verb
1
To make something smaller in size, degree, or intensity; to reduce it.
"Regular exercise can lessen the risk of heart disease."
"The new policy is meant to lessen the burden on small businesses."
2
To become smaller or weaker.
"Her pain lessened after she took the medication."
How to use lessen
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make (or become) less, smaller, or weaker.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "lesson" (a unit of teaching) — they sound completely different but are sometimes mistyped.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
lessen the risk
lessen the impact
lessen the burden
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- lessens
- Past tense
- lessened
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Regular exercise can _____ the risk of heart disease.
Etymology
From "less" plus the verb-forming suffix "-en," the same pattern seen in "widen" and "deepen."
Related words
Rhymes for lessen
See all rhymes for lessen →Frequently asked questions
What does “lessen” mean?
The word “lessen” means to make something smaller in size, degree, or intensity; to reduce it. In plain terms, to make (or become) less, smaller, or weaker.
How do you pronounce “lessen”?
“Lessen” is pronounced LEH-suhn (/ˈlɛsən/ in IPA).
How do you use “lessen” in a sentence?
Here is “lessen” used in a sentence: “Regular exercise can lessen the risk of heart disease.”
What is another word for “lessen”?
Words with a similar meaning to “lessen” include remit.
What part of speech is “lessen”?
“Lessen” is a verb.
Is “lessen” a common word?
“Lessen” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “lessen” have?
“Lessen” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make something smaller in size, degree, or intensity; to reduce it.
