Definitions and Examples of reduce, decrease, lessen
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To make something smaller or less in size, amount, or degree.
Example
The company had to reduce its workforce due to financial difficulties.
To become or make something smaller or less in size, amount, or degree.
Example
The temperature will decrease as we move into autumn.
To make something smaller or less in size, amount, or degree.
Example
The medication helped lessen the pain in her knee.
Key Differences: reduce vs decrease vs lessen
- 1Reduce is a more forceful term that implies a significant decrease in size, amount, or degree.
- 2Decrease is a general term that describes a gradual or slight reduction in size, amount, or degree.
- 3Lessen is a milder term that suggests a decrease in intensity or severity.
Effective Usage of reduce, decrease, lessen
- 1Business: Use reduce to describe cost-cutting measures or downsizing.
- 2Science: Use decrease to describe changes in temperature, pressure, or other measurable quantities.
- 3Medicine: Use lessen to describe the effect of medication on symptoms or pain relief.
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Remember this!
The antonyms of heighten are reduce, decrease, and lessen. While reduce is more forceful, decrease is a general term, and lessen suggests a milder decrease in intensity. Use these words in different contexts such as business, science, or medicine to convey the opposite meaning of heighten.
