abate
Pronunciation: verb. Synonyms: subside, dwindle, ebb
verb
Difficulty: common
Definition of abate
To reduce in intensity, amount, or degree; to diminish or lessen.
Origin of abate
Language of origin: Old French
Root word: abatre
Original meaning: to beat down or reduce
How it evolved: Initially used to mean 'knock down' or 'reduce physically'; later evolved to signify a metaphorical reduction in intensity or degree.
Derived from Middle English 'abaten', which traces back to Old French 'abatre', meaning 'to beat down or reduce'.
First known use: 14th century
How to Remember abate
Think of 'a bait'—when a fish takes the bait, the tension on the fishing line decreases, just as 'abate' means to lessen or decrease.
Synonyms for abate
Antonyms of abate
abate in a Sentence
- After the storm raged for hours, its fury finally began to abate, leaving behind a calm sea.
- The mayor’s efforts to abate public concerns about the new policy were met with mixed reactions from the community.
- The medication helped abate her migraine, providing much-needed relief.
abate in Literature & Culture
The word 'abate' frequently appears in classic literature, such as Shakespeare’s plays, where characters often speak of emotions or storms abating to signify a return to normalcy.
Usage Notes
The word 'abate' often carries a formal tone and is commonly used in legal, political, or weather-related contexts. Avoid confusing it with words like 'abolish,' which implies total elimination rather than reduction.
Why abate Matters for GRE & SAT
Abate is frequently used on the GRE in reading comprehension passages discussing topics like natural disasters, legal matters, or economic policies. Its nuanced meaning and synonyms make it a valuable addition to a test-taker's vocabulary.
Word Family
- abatement (noun)
- The process of reducing or lessening.
- abatable (adjective)
- Capable of being reduced or diminished.
- abating (verb)
- The act of diminishing or subsiding.
Did You Know?
- In legal terms, 'abate' is used to describe the reduction or nullification of a nuisance, such as noise or pollution.
- The term is often used in meteorological reports to describe the weakening of storms or extreme weather conditions.
- Abate shares roots with the word 'batter,' as both originally stem from the idea of beating down or reducing force.
Related Words
More Vocabulary Words Starting with A
- aberrant — deviating from what is normal or expected
- aberration — A departure from what is normal or expected
- abet — assist or encourage, usually in wrongdoing
- abeyance — suspension; temporary suppression
- abhor — detest or regard with deep hatred
- abide — tolerate, follow, or accept
- abject — most unfortunate or miserable
- abjure — strongly reject (an idea); forgo
- abound — [{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"text":"Plenty."}]}]
- abrasive — overly aggressive and causing irritation