German word

mildern

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmɪldɐn/

Meaning

  • verbease

Example

Der Regen milderte die Hitze.

The rain eased the heat.

Illustration for mildern (ease)

More examples

Die Regierung versucht, soziale Spannungen durch Reformen zu mildern.

The government is trying to ease social tensions through reforms.

Core concept

Something severe loses force without disappearing, so heat, punishment, criticism, or consequences become less intense.

Common phrases

  • Konflikt mildern

    ease conflict

  • Strafe mildern

    mitigate punishment

  • Ton mildern

    soften tone

Similar words

lindern: To make pain or suffering easier to bear.
abschwächen: To weaken the force or impact of something.
vermindern: To lower a quantity or level.
dämpfen: To restrain strong feelings or muffle sound.

Definition in German

etwas in seinem Effekt oder seiner Härte abschwächen

Word origin

The verb mildern derives from German mild, related to Old High German milti, with -ern forming a verb that expresses making something milder.

Usage tips

  • Mildern often describes reducing an effect or severity, while lindern commonly focuses on relieving pain, suffering, or discomfort.

Other meanings

  • mitigateverb
  • lessenverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Milderungmitigationnoun
  • milderbarmitigableadjective

Word lists with this word