French Conversation · Level 108
60 words
French word
atténuer
Pronunciation
IPA/atenɥe/
Meaning
- verblessen
Example
Ce médicament a atténué la douleur.
This medication lessened the pain.
More examples
On a ajouté du sel pour atténuer l'acidité de la sauce.
We added salt to soften the sauce's acidity.
Core concept
A vivid effect is turned down rather than removed, like a sound lowered or a color faded.
Common phrases
atténuer la douleur
alleviate the pain
atténuer l'effet
diminish the effect
atténuer le bruit
muffle the noise
Similar words
diminuer: To make an amount or strength smaller.
réduire: To make a size or degree smaller.
adoucir: To make something less harsh, hard, or irritating.
soulager: To ease pain or discomfort.
Definition in French
Atténuer signifie rendre moins fort ou moins perceptible l'intensité de quelque chose, comme une douleur, un son ou une couleur.
Word origin
The French verb atténuer continues Latin attenuare, which means 'make thin' and is related to tenuis, 'thin'; the meaning extends from thinning to reducing intensity.
Usage tips
- Atténuer often marks reduced intensity or impact, whereas soulager more specifically presents relief from pain, distress, or a burden.
Other meanings
- weakenverb
- mitigateverb
Opposites
- aggraverworsenverb
- intensifierheightenverb
Related words
- atténuationattenuationnoun
- atténuésoftenedadjective