What does "abating" mean?

1. (becoming less strong) becoming less strong, less intense, or less active. 2. (rhetorical softening) a way of speaking where you add a comment to make a previous statement seem less strong.

How do you use "abating"?

Often used in the continuous form to describe weather patterns or physical pain. Used primarily in the study of rhetoric and classical literature.

abating

US //əˈbeɪtɪŋ// UK //ɐbˈeɪtɪŋ// abat·ing

1 becoming less strong (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal

becoming less strong, less intense, or less active.

decreasing in force, intensity, or amount; typically used for weather, emotions, or physical sensations.

Example

The storm is finally abating, so we can go outside soon.

Example

With the fever finally abating, the patient began to show signs of recovery, much to the relief of the medical staff.

Usage

Often used in the continuous form to describe weather patterns or physical pain.
- intensifying
- increasing
2 rhetorical softening (n.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Formal

a way of speaking where you add a comment to make a previous statement seem less strong.

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.

Example

He said the house was beautiful, but then added it was too small, a classic abating.

Example

The orator employed abating to great effect, praising the policy's intent before systematically dismantling its practical application.

Usage

Used primarily in the study of rhetoric and classical literature.
- softening
- diminishing