easy
A blanket can lessen the cold.
What does Lessen mean?
Lessen means to make less.
Dictionary definition
To make something smaller, weaker, or less in amount.
Example sentences
Lessen in a sentence
medium
Practice can lessen the chance of mistakes.
hard
Clear instructions may lessen confusion during a difficult project.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice lessen in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Commonly confused words
Lesson or lessen?
Compare the meanings, then choose a word for each new sentence.
Lesson
A period of teaching or something learned.
In a sentence Our music lesson starts at ten.
Lessen
To make or become smaller in amount or degree.
In a sentence The noise began to lessen.
Spot the difference Lesson is something taught or learned. Lessen means make or become smaller.
Which word fits?
Choose lesson or lessen for each blank. Say your answer, then check why it fits.
1Today's maths ___ is about shapes.
Check answer 1
lesson — The sentence names a period of learning.
2Closing the window will ___ the noise.
Check answer 2
lessen — The sentence means reduce the noise.
Make it your ownTry the word in a sentence about your day.
Write a sentence with lessenQuick practice
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Practice the meaning of Lessen
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does lessen mean?
Lessen means to make less.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to lessen?
Reduce is close in meaning to lessen.
Practice 3
Which sentence uses lessen correctly?
This sentence uses lessen with its correct meaning.
Practice complete
Nice work!
You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Lessen
Voice settings
Sounds like
les · un · strongest beat: les
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordLessen.
Partverb.
MeaningLessen means to make less.
ExampleExample: A blanket can lessen the cold.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- les · un
- Strongest beat
- les
- Ending
- un
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on les.
Your turn
Say Lessen
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Ready when you are.
Nice work—you practiced lessen.
Synonyms
Words like Lessen
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice lessen synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The noise began to diminish after the bell," then compare close word choices. Practice lessen synonyms.
Word family
Lessen word family
Base word
lessen
verb
lessen
Base form.
verb
lessened
Made less in the past.
verb
lessening
Making less now.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Lessen
Hint for students
Lessen means to make less.
Common mix-up
Lessen is not the same as increase. Lessen means lessen means to make less.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: Practice can lessen the chance of mistakes. Clue words: practice, chance, mistakes. Underline clue words that show why lessen fits instead of increase. Now write one new sentence that shows lessen without using the word lessen. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show lessen?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "Practice can lessen the chance of mistakes." Why does lessen fit better than increase?
Learning activities
Practice Lessen and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice LESSEN” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice LESSEN
Sentence Builder
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Write a sentence with LESSEN
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Spell Hive
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Vocabulary Match
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Match meanings
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Context Clue Challenge
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Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
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