Vocabulary in context
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Abate
To decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
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Imagine This
Worms are used as bait in fishing. After the bait is cast into the river, the bait usually decreases in size because some fish have nibbled on it. Frequently, the bait disappears in a short time. You need skill, patience, and luck.
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Sounds Like
A bait
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Looks Like
a bate
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Remember This
In legal contexts, abate often means to end or reduce a nuisance; in meteorology, it can describe a storm or rain diminishing.
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Other Forms
abatementnoun
abatableadjective
abatedverb
abatingverb
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Connect With
diminish, decrease, lessen, subside, wane
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Note
Abate means to decrease or end; avoid confusing with rebate (a refund).
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The storm began to abate as the sun rose.
- The authorities took measures to abate air pollution.
Synonyms
diminishdecreaselessensubsidereduce
Antonyms
increaseintensifyaccelerate
Etymology
From Old French abatre 'to beat down', from Latin battΔre 'to beat' (via a- prefix).
Mnemonic
A-BATE: Imagine a bait gradually getting eaten and losing size; abate means to lessen.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Diminish
verbTo become smaller in size, amount, importance, or intensity; to reduce.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Absolve
verbTo free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.
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