Definitions
Lessen is a verb that means to make something smaller in amount, degree, or intensity.
Example
The medication will lessen the pain.
Example
We need to find ways to lessen our carbon footprint.
Lesson is a noun that refers to a period of instruction or teaching, especially one involving an individual student or a small group.
Example
I have a piano lesson every Tuesday.
Example
The teacher gave us a lesson on the history of the Roman Empire.
Tips To Remember the Differences
Here are a few tips to easily distinguish the difference between these words while keeping in mind the description we've provided:
- To remember the difference between lessen and lesson, think of lessen as reducing something, like lessening the amount of sugar in your coffee. - For lesson, think of it as a period of instruction or teaching, like a piano lesson or a history lesson.
Remember this!
Remember, lessen means to reduce something, while lesson refers to a period of instruction or teaching.
