Words / B2

LESN/ˈlesn/

To lessen is to make or become smaller in amount, importance, or intensity: lessen the risk; the pain lessened. Reduce is the close twin; lesson is a class (already in the dictionary). A larger n does not lessen bias if the frame is skewed. Mix-up: lesson / less. Do not write lessen for “teach a lesson”.

Meaning

To make or become smaller in amount, importance, or intensity.

Examples

• “A larger sample does not lessen bias if the frame is still skewed.”
• “The storm lessened after midnight, which is the intransitive sense.”

Good to know

lessen the + noun; lessen + in intensity. Close: reduce. Trap: lesson (a class). Methods, health, and news. Make less, not a taught period.

Near in meaning

reduce

New