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lessen
5 dictionary results for: lessen
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
less·en       [les-uhn] Pronunciation Key
–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.

[Origin: 1300–50; late ME lessenen, lasnen (see less, -en1); r. ME lessen]
American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
less·en       (lěs'ən)  Pronunciation Key 
v.   less·ened, less·en·ing, less·ens

v.   tr.
  1. To make less; reduce.
  2. Archaic To make little of; belittle.

v.   intr.
To become less; decrease. See Synonyms at decrease.


[Middle English lessen, lessenen, from lesse, less; see less.]

WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This
lessen

verb
1. decrease in size, extent, or range; "The amount of homework decreased towards the end of the semester"; "The cabin pressure fell dramatically"; "her weight fell to under a hundred pounds"; "his voice fell to a whisper" [syn: decrease] [ant: increase
2. make smaller; "He decreased his staff" [syn: decrease] [ant: increase
3. wear off or die down; "The pain subsided" [syn: subside

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Lessen

Less"en\ (l[e^]s"'n), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lessened (-'nd); p. pr. & vb. n. Lessening.] [From Less, a.] To make less; to reduce; to make smaller, or fewer; to diminish; to lower; to degrade; as, to lessen a kingdom, or a population; to lessen speed, rank, fortune.

Charity . . . shall lessen his punishment. --Calamy.

St. Paul chose to magnify his office when ill men conspired to lessen it. --Atterbury.

Syn: To diminish; reduce; abate; decrease; lower; impair; weaken; degrade.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Lessen

Less"en\, v. i. To become less; to shrink; to contract; to decrease; to be diminished; as, the apparent magnitude of objects lessens as we recede from them; his care, or his wealth, lessened.

The objection lessens much, and comes to no more than this: there was one witness of no good reputation. --Atterbury.

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