“Lessen” and “lesson” are two words that sound similar but have different meanings and uses. “Lessen” is a verb that means to reduce or make something smaller, while “lesson” is a noun that refers to something learned or taught, often in an educational context. Understanding the difference between these two words is important to avoid confusion in both written and spoken English.
Lessen
Definition:
“Lessen” is a verb that means to diminish, reduce, or make something less in amount, intensity, or importance.
Examples of use:
My broker says bond funds may lessen investment risk. (Refers to reducing the risk associated with investments.)
The company implemented new policies to lessen the impact of the economic downturn.
Taking deep breaths can help lessen feelings of anxiety during stressful situations.
Lesson
Definition:
“Lesson” is a noun that refers to a unit of instruction or something that is taught or learned. It can also mean an experience that provides knowledge or insight.
Examples of use:
The new software helps teachers make detailed lesson plans. (Refers to a plan for teaching a specific topic or subject.)
Each lesson in the textbook builds on the previous one to enhance understanding.
The accident was a hard lesson in the importance of following safety protocols.
While “lessen” is a verb used to describe the action of reducing or decreasing something, “lesson” is a noun that refers to a teaching or learning experience. Knowing the difference between these two words ensures clarity in communication, particularly in educational and professional settings.
