abate
To become less intense or widespread; to reduce in amount or degree
Examples
In a meeting
“We'll resume outdoor operations once the storm abates.”
Over coffee
“Let's wait for the noise to abate before we start the movie.”
Why this word
decrease
abate suggests a gradual lessening or subsiding of intensity, while decrease is more general and doesn't imply the gradual quality
reduce
abate implies a natural or autonomous diminishing process, while reduce often suggests active intervention
lessen
abate carries a more formal register and often refers to negative things subsiding, while lessen is more neutral and casual
Usage tip
Use for things that gradually decrease naturally (storms, pain, noise) rather than things you actively reduce
Etymology
Latin 'abattre' meaning 'to beat down' (from 'ad-' + 'battre' to beat)
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