Becoming smaller or fewer in size, amount, intensity, or degree
“Due to the lessening snowfall, the mountains were left with a sparse covering of white.”
That lessens the seriousness of something by providing an excuse
Causing the reduction or diminution of something
The action of making something less extreme, intense, or violent
“The lessening of tensions between the two countries led to the signing of a historic peace treaty.”
The act of disparaging or belittling
The action or process of appeasing, conciliating, or preserving the peace
A statement or assertion that makes another less absolute
The act or state of worsening or making or getting worse
An interruption of continuity or uniformity
Present participle for to diminish in intensity or severity, especially gradually
“As the magical properties of the salve reach the center of the pain, the pain begins to lessen and finally disappears.”
Present participle for to reduce the impact, intensity or severity of something
“Many cinematic techniques are used in an attempt to lessen the impact of the violence or to make it seem more artistic.”
Present participle for to make or become less in amount or quantity
“Small amounts of alcohol may increase your metabolic rate and lessen the amount of calories your body absorbs from food.”
Present participle for to decrease the value, character, or quality of
“I am unwilling to lessen the sanctity of our holy writings by referring to them sacrilegiously.”
Present participle for to reduce a person's worth or dignity, especially through shame
“I had been wrong to not want to know about his past, for knowing didn't lessen him in my eyes.”
Present participle for to decline or deteriorate in condition
“His drawings remained great from the mid-'70s onwards, but the print quality began to lessen as the prices increased.”
Present participle for to reduce in extent or quantity
Present participle for to represent or estimate at less than the true value or importance
Present participle for to cause damage to, or have a diminishing effect on
Present participle for to stop, hinder or impede the flow or progress of
Present participle for to subtract or take away an amount from another
Present participle for to belittle or express disapproval of
Present participle for to neutralize or cancel by exerting an opposite and equal force
Related Words and Phrases
|