lessen the difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lessen the difference" is correct and usable in written English, and it can be used as an idiom to refer to reducing a gap between two groups or entities.
For example: "The new policy is intended to lessen the difference in wages between men and women."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Computers & Education

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In this study, the authors designed a computerized mechanism, equal opportunity tactic, to lessen the difference in perceived performance between more-able and less-able students.

Computers & Education

For the equilibrium state, in order to lessen the difference between the peak and the average burnup, 5-fuel-passage-through-the-core was chosen for the fuel management.

Nuclear Engineering and Design

Although beta-cell death may contribute to the tumor size difference between WT-βTag mice and PKO-βTag mice these data suggest that cell death differences would tend to lessen the difference between these genotypes.

Plosone

Finally, it is likely that not all people above the threshold would be offered and accept treatment to lower cardiovascular risk; again, this would lessen the difference in treatment and events prevented between the two risk models.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The high proportion of patients with chronic liver disease associated with hepatitis C virus coinfection might have contributed to lessen the differences between treatment groups.

BMC Infectious Diseases

In this first category the information method from intergroup literature might be effective to lessen the differences between both groups, because the differences are not based on inherent cultures but on differences in perceptions of daily practices.

BMC Health Services Research

These differences were also likely affected by the choice of lag period, as a shorter lag period (e.g., one-day) would tend to increase the differences across metrics whereas a longer lag period would tend to lessen the differences.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Compared with controls, women who had preterm births in the present study had suggestively higher levels of urinary Cr [and SG, because the two were highly correlated (Spearman r = 0.9 ], which served to lessen the differences in phthalate metabolite concentrations after correcting for SG or Cr.

Environmental Health Perspectives

The goal was to keep from blurring the distinction between nuclear and conventional weapons by lessening the difference in their destructive power.

The New York Times

However, there was no significant difference in bacterial diversity and richness between the two soils at day 200, indicating that long-term straw amendment probably lessens the difference in bacterial community structure between the two soils.

Applied Soil Ecology

This has resulted in lessening the difference between the calendar and solar years from one day in about 3,300 years to one in 20,000.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to promote equality or fairness, use "lessen the difference" to describe actions that reduce disparities between groups or outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "lessen the difference" when referring to distinct, unrelated items. The phrase is most effective when applied to disparities or gaps that can be bridged or reduced, rather than absolute differences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lessen the difference" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action aimed at reducing a disparity or gap between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lessen the difference" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that conveys the action of reducing a disparity or gap. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is appropriate for describing efforts to promote equality or fairness across various contexts. While alternatives like "reduce the difference" or "diminish the difference" exist, "lessen the difference" maintains a distinct nuance, suggesting a more gradual or subtle reduction. Understanding its appropriate usage and scope can enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduce the difference

Uses "reduce" as a direct substitute for "lessen", indicating a simplification or contraction of the difference.

attenuate the difference

Replaces "lessen" with "attenuate", suggesting a weakening or reduction in the difference.

soften the difference

Uses "soften" instead of "lessen", implying a more gentle or subtle reduction in the difference.

diminish the difference

Substitutes "lessen" with "diminish", indicating a decrease in the magnitude of the difference.

alleviate the difference

Replaces "lessen" with "alleviate", suggesting a reduction in the burden or severity of the difference.

minimize the difference

Uses "minimize" instead of "lessen", implying an attempt to reduce the difference to the smallest possible extent.

decrease the difference

Substitutes "lessen" with "decrease", indicating a general reduction in the difference.

lower the difference

Replaces "lessen" with "lower", implying a reduction in the level or degree of the difference.

ameliorate the difference

Substitutes "lessen" with "ameliorate", suggesting an improvement or mitigation of the negative aspects of the difference.

mitigate the difference

Replaces "lessen" with "mitigate", implying a reduction in the negative effects or consequences of the difference.

FAQs

How can I use "lessen the difference" in a sentence?

You can use "lessen the difference" to describe efforts to reduce disparities. For example: "The new policy aims to "reduce the difference" in income between men and women."

What are some alternatives to "lessen the difference"?

Alternatives include "diminish the difference", "reduce the difference", or "minimize the difference", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "lessen the differences"?

Yes, "lessen the differences" is grammatically correct when referring to multiple disparities. However, "lessen the difference" is appropriate when addressing a single, overarching disparity.

What's the difference between "lessen the difference" and "eliminate the difference"?

"Lessen the difference" implies a partial reduction, while "eliminate the difference" suggests a complete removal of the disparity. The choice depends on whether the goal is to reduce or completely erase the difference.