Word of the Day: Abate (verb)
Possible Meanings:
- Intransitive: To decrease in force, intensity, or amount; to subside. (This is the most common meaning.)
- Transitive: To cause to decrease in force, intensity, or amount; to lessen or reduce. (Less common)
Example Sentences (Intransitive):
- The storm finally abated after raging for hours, leaving behind clear skies. (Explanation: Abate describes how the storm’s intensity decreased.)
- The pain in her ankle gradually abated after she took some pain medication. (Explanation: Here, abate describes the lessening of pain.)
- Public anger over the scandal began to abate as the investigation progressed. (Explanation: Abate describes the reduction in public outrage.)
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Example Sentences (Transitive):
- Firefighters worked tirelessly to abate the flames before they could spread to nearby buildings. (Explanation: Abate describes the firefighters’ action in reducing the intensity of the fire.)
- The government took steps to abate air pollution by imposing stricter regulations. (Explanation: Here, abate describes the government’s effort to lessen air pollution.)
- The loud music was eventually abated after complaints from the neighbors. (Explanation: Abate describes the act of causing the music to become quieter.)
Conversation Example:
Person 1: “Phew, that was a close call! Good thing the rain abated before the power went out again.”
Person 2: “Yes, it seems the worst of the storm has finally passed. Let’s hope it doesn’t abate only to return later.”
Note: When using “abate” transitively (causing something to decrease), it’s often used with specific actions taken to achieve that reduction.
Can you use abate in a sentence of your own? Share your example in the comments below.