abate — to become less intense or widespread; to make or become smaller in amount, degree, intensity
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to become less intense or widespread; to make or become smaller in amount, degree, intensity
Pronunciation (IPA): /əˈbeɪt/
Example Sentences
- My mother's anger abated when she saw the chocolate cake I made for her.
- The company must abate the environmental damage it has caused.
- His enthusiasm for exercise abated after he discovered pizza delivery apps.
abate
VERB[/əˈbeɪt/]
to become less intense or widespread; to make or become smaller in amount, degree, intensity

The storm gradually abates

Let the fierce debate abate, then create!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old French 'abattre' meaning 'to beat down' or 'to knock down', derived from Latin 'ad-' (to) combined with 'battere' (to beat). The word entered Middle English through Norman French influence.
Breakdown
a- (to) + bate (beat/reduce) = abate. 'Bate' comes from Latin 'battere' (to beat), so the prefix 'a-' combined with 'bate' creates the sense of 'to beat down' or 'to reduce'.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mother's anger abated when she saw the chocolate cake I made for her.”
“The company must abate the environmental damage it has caused.”
“His enthusiasm for exercise abated after he discovered pizza delivery apps.”
“The rent was abated due to the noisy construction next door.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
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