Spanish Conversation · Level 116
60 words
Spanish word
atenuar
Pronunciation
IPA/ateˈnwaɾ/
Meaning
- verbease
Example
Este medicamento puede atenuar el dolor.
This medicine can ease the pain.
More examples
El profesor intentó atenuar la crítica con un comentario positivo.
The teacher tried to soften the criticism with a positive remark.
Core concept
A volume fader lowering the sound from a loudspeaker.
Common phrases
atenuar una crítica
soften a criticism
atenuar el tono
soften the tone
atenuar la pena
lighten the punishment
Similar words
suavizar: Makes expression or tone gentler and less sharp, so speech sounds milder.
calmar: Calms strong emotion or agitation, bringing feelings back to a steady calm.
moderar: Moderates degree or intensity, adjusting amounts to keep them within reasonable limits.
Definition in Spanish
Suavizar o reducir el tono o la fuerza de una expresión, sensación o efecto para que produzca menos impacto.
Word origin
From Medieval Latin attenuare, from Latin tenuis 'thin', the verb originally means 'to make thin' and so denotes making something less strong or intense.
Usage tips
- Spanish commonly uses the reflexive atenuarse when the intensity or effect decreases on its own, as in 'La intensidad se atenuó'.