Definitions
- Referring to a decrease in intensity or severity of something, such as pain, noise, or a storm. - Talking about the reduction or removal of something harmful or unwanted, such as pollution or a nuisance. - Describing the lessening or subsiding of emotions or feelings, such as anger or anxiety.
- Referring to a general reduction in quantity or amount of something, such as temperature, population, or sales. - Talking about the decline or shrinkage of something over time, such as resources or funding. - Describing the act of making something smaller or less, such as a budget or a portion size.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to a reduction or lessening of something.
- 2Both can be used to describe physical or abstract concepts.
- 3Both can be used as verbs or nouns.
- 4Both are commonly used in academic or professional settings.
- 5Both imply a change from a previous state.
What is the difference?
- 1Scope: Abate is more specific and refers to a decrease in intensity or severity, while decrease is more general and refers to a reduction in quantity or amount.
- 2Usage: Abate is often used in legal or technical contexts, while decrease is more versatile and can be used in various contexts.
- 3Intensity: Abate implies a more significant or sudden reduction, while decrease can be gradual or incremental.
- 4Connotation: Abate has a more formal or serious connotation, while decrease is more neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
- 5Frequency: Decrease is more commonly used than abate in everyday language.
Remember this!
Abate and decrease both refer to a reduction or lessening of something, but they differ in scope, usage, intensity, connotation, and frequency. Abate is more specific and formal, referring to a decrease in intensity or severity, often used in legal or technical contexts. Decrease is more general and versatile, referring to a reduction in quantity or amount, and can be used in various formality levels and contexts.
