The word "abate" means to become less intense, severe, or widespread. Here are some synonyms and their explanations:
- Subside
- Explanation: "Subside" implies a gradual reduction in the intensity of something. It often gives the idea of a natural or expected decrease. For example, the storm will subside as the weather system moves away. It's like the energy or force of the storm is slowly dying down, similar to how a feeling or a situation might abate.
- Example: The pain in his leg began to subside after he took the medicine. This shows that the intensity of the pain decreased, just as it would if it abated.
- Diminish
- Explanation: "Diminish" means to make or become less. It can refer to a decrease in size, quantity, importance, or intensity. When something diminishes, it's as if it's losing some of its original qualities. For example, as the light diminished, the room grew darker. In the context of a feeling or a problem, it's similar to abate in that it's getting less in some way.
- Example: Her enthusiasm for the project began to diminish as she faced more and more difficulties. Here, her enthusiasm is lessening, which is like it abating.
- Lessen
- Explanation: "Lessen" simply means to make or become smaller or less. It's a very straightforward way to express a reduction. For example, you can lessen the amount of salt in a recipe. In terms of something like a noise or a conflict, lessening it is similar to abating it.
- Example: The noise from the construction site lessened as the workers took a break. This is like the noise abating because it's becoming quieter.
- Decrease
- Explanation: "Decrease" is a general term for becoming or making something smaller or fewer in number, amount, or degree. It's often used in a more statistical or measurable context. For example, the company's profits decreased this year. When it comes to things like a fever or a threat, a decrease is similar to abatement.
- Example: The temperature decreased, and the fever abated. Here, the reduction in temperature is similar to the abatement of the fever.
- Ebb
- Explanation: "Ebb" is often used to describe the receding or lessening of a tide, but it can also be used more figuratively. It gives the sense of a slow, withdrawing movement, like the tide going out. For example, his energy seemed to ebb as the day wore on. It's similar to abate in the way that a quality or a force is losing its strength.
- Example: The excitement of the crowd began to ebb after the main event was over. This is like the excitement abating as it becomes less intense.
- Wane
- Explanation: "Wane" means to decrease in size, extent, or degree, especially gradually. It's often used to describe the fading of the moon's light, but it can also refer to other things like a person's influence or a feeling. For example, his interest in the hobby waned over time. In the context of a condition or a state, it's similar to abate.
- Example: The power of the dictator waned as the people's resistance grew. Here, the dictator's power is decreasing, which is like it abating.