Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words

lessen

 - 2 dictionary results

less⋅en

  [les-uhn]
Use lessen in a Sentence
–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, -en 1 ); r. ME lessen
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To lessen
less·en   (lěs'ən)   
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.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see lessen on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way