Word
abating
Phoneticsabat·ing
US/əˈbeɪtɪŋ/
UK/ɐbˈeɪtɪŋ/
Definitions
01becoming less strong
v. becoming less strong, less intense, or less active.
v. decreasing in force, intensity, or amount; typically used for weather, emotions, or physical sensations.
“The storm is finally abating, so we can go outside soon.”
“With the fever finally abating, the patient began to show signs of recovery, much to the relief of the medical staff.”
Formal
Usage
Often used in the continuous form to describe weather patterns or physical pain.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02rhetorical softening
n. a way of speaking where you add a comment to make a previous statement seem less strong.
n. a rhetorical device, also known as anesis, involving the addition of a concluding sentence or clause that diminishes the effect of what was said before.
“He said the house was beautiful, but then added it was too small, a classic abating.”
“The orator employed abating to great effect, praising the policy's intent before systematically dismantling its practical application.”
Technical · Formal
Usage
Used primarily in the study of rhetoric and classical literature.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“The armed group, based in Yemen and backed by Iran, said it had launched missiles near the vital maritime trade route, in a conflict that shows no sign of abating.”