lessen

• 动词，表示使某事物在数量、程度、强度或规模上减少、减轻或变弱。

A verb used to indicate the act of making something smaller, weaker, or less in degree, or of decreasing in intensity or amount.

1. Decrease in size, extent, or rangeB1formal

   To become smaller in amount, degree, or intensity.

   减少

   • The pain began to lessen after taking the medication.
   • The company's profits lessened due to the economic downturn.
   • The noise from the construction site lessened as the day went on.

   同义词abatedeclinedecreasediminishdwindlemitigatereduceshrinksubsidetaper

   反义词augmentexpandgrowincreaseintensify

2. Make smallerB1formal

   To cause something to become smaller or reduce its size.

   减少

   • We need to lessen our expenses to save money.
   • The new policy aims to lessen the impact of pollution.
   • He tried to lessen the tension in the room with a joke.

   同义词abatecurtailcutdecreasediminishdownsizelowerminimizereduceshrink

   反义词augmentenlargeexpandincreasemagnify

3. Wear off or die downB2informal

   To gradually become less intense or fade away.

   减弱

   • The excitement of the event lessened as the hours passed.
   • Her anger lessened after she had time to think.
   • The storm's fury lessened by morning.

   同义词abatedecreasediminishdwindleeaseebbfademoderatesubsidetaperwaneweaken

   反义词growincreaseintensifystrengthen