See Also: lessen(1)(dictionary)
lessen(2)(dictionary)
lessen(dictionary)

lessen(2) (iou)



lessen verb. LME.
[from LESS adjective + -EN5; superseded LESS verb.]
verb intrans. Become less in size, quantity, amount, scope, etc.; decrease. LME.
Percy White Amongst the lessening throng of dancers. D. Johnson Soon the rain lessened.
b. Decrease in apparent size as a result of increasing distance. E17.
verb trans. Make less in size, quantity, amount, scope, etc.; diminish. LME.
J. C. Powys The car..lessened its pace the moment he stood still. A. Harding Only time would lessen my feeling for my cousin.
verb trans. Represent as less; extenuate, palliate (a fault); disparage, belittle. arch. LME.
verb trans. Lower the dignity, position, or character of; humble; degrade, demean. LME-L18.
In pass. Suffer loss or curtailment of; be reduced in (some quality). LME-L18.