lessen
Use Lessen in a sentence
ən verb (used without object)
1.
to become less.
verb (used with object)
2.
to make less; reduce.
3.
Archaic. to represent as less; depreciate; disparage.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Link To lessen
00:10
Lessen
is one of our favorite verbs.
So is hornswoggle. Does it mean:
| to spend time idly; loaf. |
| to swindle, cheat, hoodwink, or hoax. |
Collins
World English Dictionary
lessen (ˈlɛsən) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —vb | |
| 1. | to make or become less |
| 2. | (tr) to make little of |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
lessen
"to become less," c.1300, from less (q.v.). Related: Lessened; lessening.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
And the university hopes the buzz from lowering its price will lessen the amount of merit aid needed to attract top students.
The sting does lessen with time and with each successful submission.
But he added that the procedure might be enough to lessen her long-shot hopes of winning a medal.
Music artists try to lessen their impact by requiring venues to be more eco-conscious.
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