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Added 9 October 2026

lessen

/ˈlɛsən/ verb

In Latin: minuō, diminuō Wiktionary

verb Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about lessen at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Decrease in size, extent, or range.
The amount of homework decreased towards the end of the semester
Make smaller.
He decreased his staff
Wear off or die down.
The pain subsided

Origin

From Middle English lessenen, lasnen, equivalent to less + -en (verbal suffix).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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