Basic Details
Word: Abate
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To make something less strong or reduce its amount.
Synonyms: Diminish, lessen, decrease
Antonyms: Increase, amplify, intensify
Idioms and Phrases
- Abate the noise: To reduce the level of noise. Example: "She asked the children to abate the noise so she could focus on her work."
- Let the storm abate: To wait until a difficult situation calms down. Example: "We decided to let the storm abate before we ventured outside."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The doctor gave her some medicine to help abate her headache.
Example 2: As the sun set, the heat of the day began to abate, making it a pleasant evening.
Example 3: The town worked hard to abate the effects of the flooding by building better drainage systems.
Fun Fact
The word "abate" comes from the Old French "abatre," which means "to beat down." It has been used in English since the early 14th century, and the meaning has evolved to signify a reduction or decrease in intensity or amount.
Famous Quote
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." Eleanor Roosevelt. This quote reflects the idea of recognising when to abate negative feelings and not allowing them to take control.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "abate" mean?
a) To increase suddenly
b) To make something less strong
c) To expand over time
d) To gather together
Answer: b) To make something less strong
2. Which of these is a synonym of "abate"?
a) Amplify
b) Diminish
c) Enlarge
d) Intensify
Answer: b) Diminish
3. Which word is an antonym of "abate"?
a) Decrease
b) Lessen
c) Increase
d) Reduce
Answer: c) Increase
4. Which sentence uses "abate" correctly?
a) The storm will abate soon, and we can go outside again.
b) The puppy wanted to abate with his toys all day.
c) They decided to abate their homework for the weekend.
d) She abated a new dress for the party.
Answer: a) The storm will abate soon, and we can go outside again.
5. Which idiom means to reduce something?
a) Abate the noise
b) Hit the road
c) Go with the flow
d) Break the ice
Answer: a) Abate the noise
