What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
abate
Example
The storm began to abate after several hours of heavy rain. [abate: verb]
Example
The medication helped to abate the patient's pain. [abate: verb]
Example
The city implemented measures to abate air pollution. [abate: verb]
decrease
Example
The company saw a decrease in profits this quarter. [decrease: noun]
Example
We need to decrease our energy consumption to save money. [decrease: verb]
Example
The teacher asked the students to decrease the font size on their papers. [decrease: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Decrease is more commonly used than abate in everyday language, making it a more useful word for ESL learners to know.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between abate and decrease?
Abate has a more formal or serious connotation, while decrease is more neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
