Abate vs Lessen: When to Opt for One Term Over Another

When it comes to choosing the right word to describe a reduction in intensity or degree, “abate” and “lessen” are two commonly used terms. However, many people wonder if these words can be used interchangeably or if one is more appropriate than the other.

The answer is that both “abate” and “lessen” can be used to describe a decrease in something, but they have slightly different meanings and connotations. “Abate” means to become less intense or widespread, while “lessen” means to become smaller or weaker.

For example, if there is a storm and the wind starts to abate, it means that the wind is becoming less intense. On the other hand, if you take a painkiller and your headache lessens, it means that the headache is becoming smaller or weaker.

In this article, we will explore the differences between “abate” and “lessen” in more detail and provide examples of when each word should be used. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of when to use “abate” vs. “lessen” in your writing.

Define Abate

Abate is a verb that means to become less intense or to decrease in amount or degree. It is often used in legal contexts to describe a decrease or termination of a legal action or claim. In general usage, abate can refer to a reduction in the severity or intensity of something, such as a storm or a fever.

Abate can also be used in the context of nuisance law, where it refers to the lessening or elimination of a nuisance. For example, if a neighbor’s loud music is causing a disturbance, a court may order the neighbor to abate the noise by turning down the volume or using headphones.

Abate can be used in a variety of contexts, including environmental law, construction law, and contract law. In each of these contexts, it refers to a reduction or cessation of something that was previously occurring.

Define Lessen

Lessen is a verb that means to make something smaller or to reduce the amount or intensity of something. It is often used in the context of emotions, such as when someone tries to lessen the pain or sadness of another person. It can also refer to a decrease in the size or amount of something physical, such as when a company lessens its workforce or a recipe calls for less salt.

Lessen can be used in a variety of contexts, including medicine, economics, and education. In each of these contexts, it refers to a reduction in something that was previously present.

Unlike abate, lessen does not have a legal connotation and is more commonly used in everyday language. It can be used to describe a wide range of situations, from a reduction in stress levels to a decrease in the severity of a medical condition.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to writing, choosing the right words is crucial to convey your message effectively. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words “abate” and “lessen” in a sentence.

How To Use “Abate” In A Sentence

The word “abate” is often used to describe a decrease in intensity or severity of something. Here are some examples of how to use “abate” in a sentence:

• The storm began to abate as the winds died down.
• The pain in my knee has started to abate after taking medication.
• The protests outside the building gradually abated as the night went on.

It’s important to note that “abate” is usually used to describe a gradual decrease rather than an abrupt one. Additionally, it’s often used in the context of weather, pain, or emotions.

How To Use “Lessen” In A Sentence

The word “lessen” is also used to describe a decrease in something, but it’s often used in a broader sense than “abate.” Here are some examples of how to use “lessen” in a sentence:

• Exercising regularly can lessen your risk of heart disease.
• The company’s profits have lessened in recent years.
• She tried to lessen the impact of her words by apologizing.

Unlike “abate,” “lessen” can be used to describe both gradual and abrupt decreases, and it can be used in a variety of contexts.

Overall, using the words “abate” and “lessen” correctly can help you communicate your ideas more effectively. By understanding the nuances of these words, you can choose the right one for the situation and convey your message clearly.

More Examples Of Abate & Lessen Used In Sentences

As we continue to explore the difference between abate and lessen, let’s take a look at more examples of how they are used in sentences.

Examples Of Using Abate In A Sentence

• The storm began to abate as we reached the shore.
• His anger will abate once he cools down.
• The pain in my knee has started to abate after taking the medication.
• The noise from the construction site will eventually abate once the work is completed.
• The fear of the unknown began to abate as she gained more knowledge about the situation.
• The intensity of the workout will gradually abate as you become more fit.
• The number of COVID-19 cases in the area has started to abate due to vaccination efforts.
• The price of the stock will abate once the market stabilizes.
• The tension in the room began to abate after the mediator arrived.
• The snowfall will abate by tomorrow morning.

Examples Of Using Lessen In A Sentence

• The medication will lessen the pain in your back.
• She tried to lessen the impact of her words by apologizing.
• The teacher’s encouragement helped to lessen the student’s anxiety about the test.
• The new regulations will lessen the environmental impact of the company’s operations.
• The amount of homework assigned will lessen as the school year progresses.
• The noise from the traffic outside can be lessened by closing the windows.
• The team’s morale was lessened by the loss of their star player.
• Her workload was lessened when her colleague offered to help.
• His guilt was lessened when he confessed to the crime.
• The damage to the car was lessened by the airbags.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using words in the English language, it is important to understand the nuances of each term. Two words that are commonly used interchangeably are “abate” and “lessen.” However, these words have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using these words:

Mistake 1: Using “Abate” When You Mean “Lessen”

Abate means to reduce in amount, degree, or intensity. For example, “The storm abated in the evening.” On the other hand, lessen means to make something smaller or weaker. For example, “Taking a break can lessen stress levels.” Using “abate” when you mean “lessen” can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.

Mistake 2: Using “Lessen” When You Mean “Abate”

Conversely, using “lessen” when you mean “abate” can also lead to confusion. As mentioned earlier, “abate” means to reduce in amount, degree, or intensity. For example, “The pain in my knee abated after taking medication.” “Lessen” means to make something smaller or weaker. For example, “The company decided to lessen its workforce.” Using “lessen” when you mean “abate” can make your writing imprecise and unclear.

Tips To Avoid Mistakes

• Use a dictionary or thesaurus to check the meanings of words before using them in your writing.
• Read your writing aloud to check for clarity and precision.
• Ask someone else to read your writing and provide feedback on whether your use of words is accurate and appropriate.

By avoiding these common mistakes and following these tips, you can ensure that your writing is clear, precise, and effective.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “abate” and “lessen,” context is a crucial factor. While these words are often used interchangeably, they can have slightly different meanings depending on the context in which they are used.

Abate

The word “abate” is typically used to describe a decrease in intensity or amount of something. It can be used to describe the lessening of something that is perceived as negative or harmful. For example:

• The storm began to abate, and the winds died down.
• After taking medication, his symptoms began to abate.
• The protests showed no signs of abating, despite police efforts to disperse the crowds.

As these examples show, “abate” is often used to describe a situation in which something negative or harmful is decreasing or subsiding. It can also be used in legal contexts to describe the nullification of a legal claim or action. For example:

• The judge agreed to abate the lawsuit due to lack of evidence.
• The city issued a notice to abate the nuisance property.

Lessen

The word “lessen,” on the other hand, is typically used to describe a decrease in degree or amount of something. It can be used to describe the reduction of something that is perceived as positive or negative. For example:

• The teacher tried to lessen the impact of the bad news on the students.
• He took steps to lessen the amount of stress in his life.
• The company implemented cost-cutting measures to lessen the impact of the recession.

As these examples show, “lessen” is often used to describe a situation in which something is decreasing or becoming less intense. It can also be used to describe the reduction of something that is perceived as positive, such as stress or workload.

Context Matters

While “abate” and “lessen” are often used interchangeably, the choice between the two can depend on the context in which they are used. For example, in a legal context, “abate” may be the more appropriate choice to describe the nullification of a legal claim or action. In a medical context, “abate” may be the more appropriate choice to describe the subsiding of symptoms. In a general context, “lessen” may be the more appropriate choice to describe the reduction of something that is perceived as positive or negative.

It is important to consider the context in which these words are being used in order to choose the most appropriate word. By doing so, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and effective.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using abate and lessen are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. Here are a few instances where the standard usage guidelines may not apply:

1. Legal Terminology

In legal contexts, the terms abate and lessen can take on specialized meanings that differ from their standard definitions. For example, in criminal law, a defendant may seek to have their charges abated, meaning that the charges are dismissed due to some technicality or error in the prosecution’s case. Alternatively, a defendant may plead guilty to a lesser offense in order to have their charges lessened, resulting in a reduced sentence.

2. Technical Jargon

In certain technical fields, such as engineering or construction, abate and lessen may be used in specialized ways that differ from their everyday usage. For instance, in the context of asbestos removal, abatement refers to the complete removal of the hazardous material, while lessening would indicate a reduction in the amount or concentration of asbestos present.

3. Regional Variations

Finally, it’s worth noting that the usage of abate and lessen can vary by region or dialect. For example, in some parts of the United States, it’s more common to use “abate” in the sense of “put an end to” or “eliminate,” while in other regions, “lessen” may be the preferred term. Similarly, some British English speakers may use “abate” in a more general sense of reducing or diminishing something, while American English speakers might favor “lessen” in those cases.

Overall, while these exceptions to the rules may seem daunting, they’re relatively rare and shouldn’t cause too much confusion for most writers. As always, context is key, and it’s important to consider the specific meaning and connotations of each term in the context of your writing.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of abate and lessen is to practice using them in sentences. Here are some exercises to help you do just that:

Exercise 1

Choose the correct word to complete each sentence:

Sentence	Word Choices
The storm began to ________ as we drove home.	abate / lessen
The medication will ________ your pain.	abate / lessen
The teacher’s stern tone did nothing to ________ the students’ chatter.	abate / lessen
The company’s profits ________ significantly this quarter.	abate / lessen

Answer Key:

• The storm began to abate as we drove home.
• The medication will lessen your pain.
• The teacher’s stern tone did nothing to abate the students’ chatter.
• The company’s profits abated significantly this quarter.

Exercise 2

Write a sentence for each word using it correctly:

• Abate: The noise from the construction site finally abated after several hours.
• Lessen: Taking breaks throughout the day can help lessen the strain on your eyes.

Explanation:

Abate means to become less intense or widespread. Lessen means to make something less severe or intense. In the first sentence, the noise from the construction site became less intense over time. In the second sentence, taking breaks can help make the strain on your eyes less severe.

Conclusion

After examining the differences between abate and lessen, it is clear that these two words are often used interchangeably. However, there are important distinctions between the two that should not be overlooked.

Abate is typically used to describe a decrease in intensity or severity, while lessen is more commonly used to describe a decrease in quantity or size. It is important to use these words correctly in order to convey the intended meaning of a sentence.

Additionally, it is crucial to have a strong understanding of grammar and language use in order to effectively communicate in both written and spoken forms. By continuing to learn about these topics, readers can improve their communication skills and avoid common errors.