noun

abatement

uh-BAYT-munt/əˈbeɪtmənt/

A reduction in something unwanted or in an amount owed.

The abatement of the downpour leaves only a light drizzle.

A two-stage view of the same small outdoor scene shows heavy rain easing to a light drizzle.

Etymology

aLatinto, toward

+bateLatinto beat

+mentOld Frenchact or state

The underlying image is “beating down,” extended from overthrowing something to reducing it. The noun ending names the act or state of that reduction, including a lessening of intensity or seriousness.

In context

Storytime Haven420:22

a lifetime, awoke to the woman's need. Gently she stroked the beautiful head that lay so meekly on her lap; and as the girl sobbed with but little appearance of abatement, she said to her softly:

✨ The Man by Bram Stoker | A Tale of Love, Courage & Destiny 📖

More examples

The city offers a temporary tax abatement.
The storm continued without abatement through the night.
Soundproof windows provide some abatement of street noise.

Forms

abatement · abatements

Similar words

reduction: A broad decrease without necessarily addressing an unwanted condition.
remission: Often means relief from illness or cancellation of a debt.