Lessen vs Lower: Which One Is The Correct One?

When it comes to writing, using the right words is crucial to convey the intended meaning. One common confusion is between the words “lessen” and “lower.” While they may seem interchangeable, there are subtle differences in their usage. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between the two words and when to use them.

Let’s clarify the meanings of each word. “Lessen” means to make something smaller or reduce its intensity. For example, “Taking breaks throughout the day can lessen the strain on your eyes.” On the other hand, “lower” means to move something to a lower position or level. For instance, “Please lower the volume on the TV.”

So, which of the two words is the proper word to use? The answer is that it depends on the context. In some cases, both words may be appropriate, but there are situations where one word is more fitting than the other.

In the following sections, we’ll delve deeper into the differences between “lessen” and “lower” and provide examples of when to use each word.

Define Lessen

Lessen is a verb that means to reduce the amount, intensity, or severity of something. It can also refer to making something smaller in size or number. The term is often used to describe the process of diminishing the impact or effect of something. For example, one might say that taking a pain reliever lessens the severity of a headache.

Define Lower

Lower is a verb that means to move something or someone to a position that is closer to the ground or to a lower level. It can also refer to reducing the value, amount, or quality of something. The term is often used to describe the process of decreasing the height, amount, or intensity of something. For example, one might say that lowering the volume of a television reduces the noise level in a room.

Here is a table that summarizes the differences between lessen and lower:

Lessen	Lower
Reduces the amount, intensity, or severity of something	Reduces the value, amount, or quality of something
Makes something smaller in size or number	Moves something or someone to a lower position or level
Diminishes the impact or effect of something	Decreases the height, amount, or intensity of something

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right word can make a big difference in the clarity and accuracy of your writing. In this section, we will discuss how to use the words “lessen” and “lower” properly in a sentence.

How To Use “Lessen” In A Sentence

The word “lessen” means to make something smaller or reduce its amount, intensity, or severity. Here are some examples of how to use “lessen” correctly in a sentence:

• The medication helped to lessen the pain in my knee.
• The government is taking steps to lessen the impact of climate change.
• She tried to lessen the tension in the room by cracking a joke.

It’s important to note that “lessen” is a verb and should be used as such in a sentence. It should not be used as an adjective or a noun.

How To Use “Lower” In A Sentence

The word “lower” means to move something to a lower position, level, or amount. Here are some examples of how to use “lower” correctly in a sentence:

• He lowered the volume on the television so he wouldn’t wake up the baby.
• The company lowered its prices to attract more customers.
• The doctor told her to lower her cholesterol by eating healthier foods.

Like “lessen,” “lower” is also a verb and should be used as such in a sentence. It can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is located at a lower level or position.

Verb	Adjective
The pilot lowered the landing gear.	The lower deck of the ship was used for cargo.

By using the correct word in a sentence, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and accurate. Take the time to choose the right word and your writing will be all the better for it.

More Examples Of Lessen & Lower Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the usage of the words “lessen” and “lower,” it is important to examine their usage in context. Below are several examples of each word used in a sentence:

Examples Of Using Lessen In A Sentence

• The medication should help lessen the severity of your symptoms.
• She tried to lessen the impact of her words by adding a smile.
• The teacher’s feedback helped to lessen the student’s anxiety about the project.
• The company hopes to lessen its carbon footprint by implementing sustainable practices.
• The new regulations are expected to lessen the risk of future accidents.
• He took a break to lessen the strain on his eyes.
• The therapist taught her techniques to lessen her stress levels.
• The apology did little to lessen the hurt feelings of the offended party.
• She tried to lessen her workload by delegating tasks to her team.
• The rain helped to lessen the severity of the drought.

Examples Of Using Lower In A Sentence

• The company decided to lower the price of their product to increase sales.
• He lowered his voice to avoid waking the sleeping baby.
• The elevator lowered to the ground floor.
• The doctor recommended that he lower his cholesterol through diet and exercise.
• She lowered the volume on the television to avoid disturbing her neighbors.
• The pilot lowered the altitude of the plane to avoid turbulence.
• He lowered his expectations after realizing the project was more difficult than anticipated.
• The city council voted to lower property taxes for the upcoming year.
• The temperature is expected to lower as the sun sets.
• She lowered her gaze to avoid eye contact with the rude stranger.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “lessen” and “lower,” many people tend to use them interchangeably, which can lead to confusion and misunderstanding. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Mistake #1: Using “Lessen” And “Lower” As Synonyms

While both words convey the idea of reducing something, they are not interchangeable. “Lessen” means to make something smaller or weaker, while “lower” means to move something down in position or level. For example:

• If you want to lessen your workload, you might delegate some tasks to your team members.
• If you want to lower your expenses, you might negotiate better deals with your suppliers.

Using “lessen” instead of “lower” or vice versa can change the meaning of your sentence and make it unclear.

Mistake #2: Confusing “Lessen” With “Lesson”

Another common mistake is to confuse “lessen” with “lesson,” which is a completely different word. “Lesson” means a unit of instruction or a moral or message that can be learned from a story or experience. For example:

• The lesson of the story is that honesty is always the best policy.
• The teacher prepared a lesson plan for the students.

Using “lesson” instead of “lessen” can make your sentence nonsensical.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, here are some tips:

• Use a dictionary or a thesaurus to check the meaning and usage of “lessen” and “lower” before using them in your writing.
• Read your sentence aloud to see if it makes sense and conveys the intended meaning.
• Proofread your writing carefully to catch any errors or typos.

By being mindful of these common mistakes and following these tips, you can use “lessen” and “lower” correctly and effectively in your writing.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “lessen” and “lower,” context is key. Both words can be used to indicate a decrease in something, but the specific context in which they are used can affect which word is more appropriate.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are a few examples of different contexts in which the choice between “lessen” and “lower” might change:

1. Physical Objects

When referring to physical objects, “lower” is often the more appropriate choice. For example, if you are talking about lowering the temperature of a room, you would use “lower” instead of “lessen.” Similarly, if you are talking about lowering the volume of a radio, you would use “lower.”

2. Intangible Concepts

When referring to intangible concepts, such as stress or anxiety, “lessen” is often the more appropriate choice. For example, if you are talking about ways to lessen stress, you would use “lessen” instead of “lower.” Similarly, if you are talking about ways to lessen anxiety, you would use “lessen.”

3. Financial Matters

When referring to financial matters, either “lessen” or “lower” can be appropriate, depending on the specific context. For example, if you are talking about ways to lower your expenses, you would use “lower.” However, if you are talking about ways to lessen the impact of a financial crisis, you would use “lessen.”

4. Academic Settings

In academic settings, “lessen” is often the more appropriate choice. For example, if you are talking about ways to lessen the achievement gap in schools, you would use “lessen” instead of “lower.” Similarly, if you are talking about ways to lessen the dropout rate, you would use “lessen.”

Overall, the choice between “lessen” and “lower” depends on the specific context in which they are used. By understanding the nuances of each word, you can choose the one that is most appropriate for your particular situation.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using “lessen” and “lower” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they might not apply. Here are a few examples:

1. Comparing Two Quantities

When comparing two quantities, “lessen” and “lower” can be used interchangeably. For instance:

• The company’s revenue was less than/ lower than expected.
• She weighed less than/ lower than her sister.

Both “less” and “lower” are acceptable in these cases because they are being used to compare two quantities.

2. In Certain Idiomatic Expressions

There are some idiomatic expressions where “lessen” and “lower” cannot be used interchangeably. Here are a few examples:

• “Lower the boom” means to punish severely, while “lessen the boom” does not make sense.
• “Lower the bar” means to set the standards lower, while “lessen the bar” does not make sense.

When using idiomatic expressions, it’s important to use the correct word to convey the intended meaning.

3. In Certain Technical Contexts

In certain technical contexts, “lessen” and “lower” may have different meanings. For example, in medicine, “lower” is often used to refer to reducing a patient’s blood pressure, while “lessen” is not typically used in this context.

Term	Meaning
Lower	To reduce a patient’s blood pressure
Lessen	Not typically used in medical contexts

When using “lessen” and “lower” in technical contexts, it’s important to use the correct word to avoid confusion or miscommunication.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and usage of words is through practice exercises. Below are some exercises to help you differentiate between the usage of lessen and lower in sentences:

Exercise 1:

Choose the correct word to fill in the blank:

1. The new medication helped to ________ my pain.
2. The company decided to ________ its prices to attract more customers.
3. We need to ________ our expenses if we want to save more money.

Answer Key:

1. Lessen
2. Lower
3. Lessen

Exercise 2:

Write a sentence using the correct form of lessen or lower:

1. ________ the volume on the television, please.
2. He wanted to ________ his workload, so he asked for help.
3. The medication helped to ________ the patient’s anxiety.

Answer Key:

1. Lower
2. Lessen
3. Lessen

By practicing these exercises, you will be able to improve your understanding and usage of lessen and lower in sentences.

Conclusion

After exploring the nuances of “lessen” and “lower,” it is clear that these two words are not interchangeable. While both words refer to a decrease in something, “lessen” is used to describe a decrease in the intensity or amount of something, while “lower” is used to describe a decrease in height or position.

It is important to use these words correctly in order to effectively convey your intended meaning. Using the wrong word can lead to confusion and misunderstandings.

Key Takeaways

• “Lessen” and “lower” are not interchangeable words
• “Lessen” refers to a decrease in intensity or amount
• “Lower” refers to a decrease in height or position
• Using the wrong word can lead to confusion and misunderstandings

By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, you can improve your communication skills and avoid common mistakes. Keep exploring and expanding your knowledge!