V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary
attenuate
verb
Definition: 1. to make thin in size or consistency; 2. to lessen or weaken, especially in strength or worth
Synonyms: weaken, thin, narrow, rarefy, dilute, lessen, diminish
Antonyms: thicken, intensify
Tips: In medicine, attenuate can mean "to make a bacteria or virus weaker and less dangerous." Sometimes, attenuated pathogens are used to make vaccines that protect against disease. It may also be useful to note that attenuate and tenuous both come ultimately from tenuis, "weak."
Usage Examples:
When chlorine is attenuated by other chemicals, it is not harmful to humans. (diluted)
Everyone hopes the crisis will attenuate over time. (lessen, diminish)
My family's art collection will never attenuate in worth; on the contrary, it will most likely increase in value over time. (lessen, diminish)
Jody's grief over the loss of her mother attenuated over time, and eventually her sadness was replaced by happy memories. (diminished, lessened)
Discover How You Can Improve Your
Vocabulary 10 to 100 Times Faster with
the Power Vocabulary Builder
Dear Friend,
The definition and lessons for the word attenuate were made available by the Power Vocabulary Builder.
The Power Vocabulary Builder will help you develop a fuller, richer vocabulary 10 to 100 times faster than any other program available.
Visit the the Power Vocabulary Builder site right now to discover how you can get full access to this breakthrough program today!
authentic - Definition of authentic
ribald - Definition of ribald
exert - Definition of exert
cognate - Definition of cognate
affluent - Definition of affluent
