Definitions
- Describing a decrease in intensity or severity of something. - Referring to a reduction in the amount or degree of something. - Talking about making something smaller or weaker.
- Referring to a decrease in the size, amount, or quantity of something. - Describing the act of making something simpler or easier to manage. - Talking about cutting down on expenses or costs.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to a decrease or lowering of something.
- 2Both words can be used to describe physical or abstract concepts.
- 3Both words are verbs that indicate an action being taken.
- 4Both words can be used in formal or informal contexts.
- 5Both words can be used to express a desire for change or improvement.
What is the difference?
- 1Scope: Lessen is typically used to describe a decrease in intensity or severity, while reduce is more commonly used to describe a decrease in size or quantity.
- 2Usage: Lessen is often used with abstract concepts like pain, stress, or anxiety, while reduce is more commonly used with concrete concepts like expenses, waste, or pollution.
- 3Degree: Lessen implies a partial decrease, while reduce implies a more significant decrease.
- 4Purpose: Lessen is often used to alleviate negative effects, while reduce is often used to achieve a specific goal or outcome.
- 5Connotation: Lessen has a more neutral connotation, while reduce can have a negative connotation when used in the context of job cuts or budget reductions.
Remember this!
Lessen and reduce are synonyms that both refer to a decrease or lowering of something. However, lessen is typically used to describe a decrease in intensity or severity of something, while reduce is more commonly used to describe a decrease in size or quantity. Additionally, lessen implies a partial decrease, while reduce implies a more significant decrease with a specific goal in mind.
