Basic Details
Word: Lessen
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To make something smaller in amount, degree, or size.
Synonyms: Reduce, diminish, decrease
Antonyms: Increase, enlarge, amplify
Idioms and Phrases
- Less is more: This means that simplicity can lead to greater effectiveness. Example: "Her artwork was simple, but as the saying goes, less is more."
- Less talk, more action: This phrase encourages doing rather than speaking. Example: "We have a lot to do today, so lets have less talk and more action."
Usage Examples
Example 1: If we lessen our waste by recycling, we can help the environment.
Example 2: The teacher decided to lessen the homework load to give students more free time.
Example 3: To lessen the impact of the storm, the community worked together to prepare.
Fun Fact
The word "lessen" comes from the Old English word "ls," meaning lesser or smaller. Its use has evolved over time, but it has always been associated with reducing or diminishing something.
Famous Quote
"Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present." Jim Rohn
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "lessen" mean?
a) To make bigger
b) To make smaller
c) To make faster
d) To make louder
Answer: b) To make smaller
2. Which of these is a synonym of "lessen"?
a) Increase
b) Amplify
c) Reduce
d) Enlarge
Answer: c) Reduce
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "lessen"?
a) Decrease
b) Diminish
c) Increase
d) Reduce
Answer: c) Increase
4. Which sentence uses "lessen" correctly?
a) She wants to lessen the volume of her music.
b) He is lessening the face on the clock.
c) They lessen the cake for the party.
d) The carlessened when it drove fast.
Answer: a) She wants to lessen the volume of her music.
5. Which idiom suggests that simplicity can be more effective?
a) Less talk, more action
b) Less is more
c) All talk and no action
d) Big fish in a small pond
Answer: b) Less is more
