English Lexicon

Attenuate

/əˈtɛn.ju.eɪt/
verbadjectiveCEFR C2 (Proficient)Top #8500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As verb
  1. 1

    To reduce the force, effect, or value of something.

    "Modern noise-canceling headphones attenuate external sounds to create a quiet listening environment."
  2. 2

    To reduce in thickness, strength, or density.

    "The prolonged drought began to severely attenuate the flow of the river."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Latin verb attenuatus, past participle of attenuare, formed from ad- (to) and tenuis (thin). Entering English in the 16th century, the term initially referred strictly to the physical thinning or reducing of liquids and materials before expanding to abstract concepts like force, value, or signal strength.

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