World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesLessen
/ˈlɛs.ən/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
To make or become less; to diminish in size, amount, or degree.
"The new policy aims to lessen the impact of pollution on the environment." - 2
To reduce the intensity or severity of something.
"She took painkillers to lessen the discomfort after her surgery."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
The word 'lessen' originates from the Old English 'leas', meaning 'less', combined with the verb-forming suffix '-en'. It has evolved through Middle English as 'lessen', maintaining its core meaning of reducing or diminishing something over centuries.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Lessen"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Lessen" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
diminuer
Transliteration: diminuer
"Le nouveau règlement vise à diminuer l'impact de la pollution."
verringern
Transliteration: verringern
"Die neue Regelung zielt darauf ab, die Auswirkungen der Verschmutzung zu verringern."
ridurre
Transliteration: ridurre
"La nuova politica mira a ridurre l'impatto dell'inquinamento."
reducir
Transliteration: reducir
"La nueva política busca reducir el impacto de la contaminación."
diminuir
Transliteration: diminuir
"A nova política visa diminuir o impacto da poluição."
कम करना
Transliteration: kam karna
"नई नीति का उद्देश्य प्रदूषण के प्रभाव को कम करना है।"
减少
Transliteration: jiǎnshǎo
"新政策旨在减少污染的影响。"
줄이다
Transliteration: julida
"새 정책은 오염의 영향을 줄이는 것을 목표로 합니다."
減らす
Transliteration: herasu
"新しい政策は汚染の影響を減らすことを目指しています。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsExplore Nuanced Synonyms for "Lessen"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.