ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Lessen

Definition, Meaning & Examples

Pronunciation /ˈlɛsən/ · Part of speech verb

Quick meaning: Lessen is a verb meaning (transitive) To make less; to diminish; to reduce.

Meaning

(transitive) To make less; to diminish; to reduce.

More Meanings

  1. (intransitive) To become less.
  2. (nonstandard, dialect) unless.

Example Sentences

No more work outta them lessen they paid now.
a. 1686, Benjamin Calamy, a sermon Charity […] shall lessen his punishment.
She was fine-looking; he couldn't find a fault with her 'lessen he made it up.
The thin glass that makes mirror tiles light in weight also tends to lessen their reflective quality.

Word Forms

Synonyms for lessen

Depending on context, synonyms include remit, blunt, abate, diminish, fall, subside.

Antonyms for lessen

Common opposites include increase.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include diminish, decrease, subside, minify, fall, minimize.

Related Dictionary Tools

Sources & Attribution

FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.