Definitions
- Referring to a reduction in size, amount, or intensity. - Talking about a decline in value, quantity, or quality. - Describing a decrease in speed, temperature, or volume.
- Referring to a reduction in degree, intensity, or severity. - Talking about a decrease in importance, significance, or impact. - Describing a lessening of pain, stress, or anxiety.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to a reduction or decrease in something.
- 2Both words can be used as verbs or nouns.
- 3Both words can be used in formal or informal contexts.
What is the difference?
- 1Scope: Decrease is broader and can refer to a reduction in size, amount, or intensity, while lessen typically refers to a reduction in degree, intensity, or severity.
- 2Intensity: Lessen implies a more gradual or subtle reduction, while decrease can be more sudden or significant.
- 3Usage: Decrease is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts, while lessen is more specific and often used in relation to emotional or physical sensations.
- 4Connotation: Decrease can be neutral or negative, while lessen often has a positive connotation of relief or improvement.
Remember this!
Decrease and lessen are synonyms that both refer to a reduction or decrease in something. However, decrease is broader and can refer to a reduction in size, amount, or intensity, while lessen typically refers to a reduction in degree, intensity, or severity. Additionally, lessen often has a positive connotation of relief or improvement, while decrease can be neutral or negative.
