How to pronounce lessen
Say it like LES-un. Lessen has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce lessen. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LES
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Lessen pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of lessen
American and British speakers say lessen in essentially the same way: /ˈlɛsən/ in the US and /ˈlɛsən/ in the UK.
British respelling: LES-un.
What does lessen mean?
- To make less; to diminish; to reduce.
- To become less.
Where does lessen come from?
From Middle English lessenen, lasnen, equivalent to less + -en (verbal suffix).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with lessen
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of lessen.
Words that sound like lessen
Questions about saying lessen
How do you pronounce lessen?
Say LES-un. The American pronunciation is /ˈlɛsən/. In British English it is /ˈlɛsən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in lessen?
Lessen has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LES). Broken into parts: LES · un.
Do Americans and Brits say lessen the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈlɛsən/ and the British form is /ˈlɛsən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.
What words sound the same as lessen?
Lessen sounds the same as lesson in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.