lessen
UK: ˈlesn | US: ˈlesn
vt. to make or become less in size, importance, or intensity
vi. to diminish or decrease gradually
lessen = less<smaller> + en<verb suffix>
- less: From Old English lǣssa (comparative of lǣt "small, little"), meaning "smaller in amount or degree."
- en: A verb-forming suffix from Old English -nian, used to create verbs meaning "to make or become."
Etymology Origin:
The word "lessen" emerged in Middle English by combining the comparative root "less" with the verbal suffix "-en." It originally meant "to make smaller" and has retained this core idea of reduction over time. The suffix "-en" was productive in forming verbs from adjectives (e.g., "darken," "soften"), giving "lessen" a clear cause-effect logic: "to cause to become less."
The medicine helped lessen her pain.
His influence began to lessen after the scandal.
We must lessen our environmental impact.
The storm’s intensity will lessen by tomorrow.
Regular exercise can lessen the risk of heart disease.