slowly lessened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slowly lessened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual reduction in intensity, quantity, or degree of something over time. Example: "As the storm passed, the winds slowly lessened, allowing the sun to break through the clouds."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As the crisis slowly lessened, doctors were recruited at US$8 US$644 in today's market) for a 3-hour session (or US$24 for all day; US$192 in today's market) to administer vaccine, but few volunteered.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Wooded upland areas retain rainwater longer and release it more slowly, lessening the need for pumped-in water downstream.

The New Yorker

People-to-people contacts would slowly lessen the importance of political symbols, and India would grant Kashmir greater autonomy.

The Economist

Load your iPod with uptempo music, Dr. Donelan suggests (although obviously ease into any changes in training slowly, to lessen the risk of injuries).

The New York Times

These days, the pain is lessening, though slowly, she said.

The New York Times

Now the second-half of anything is hard, and I know you probably have your countdown set until the summer begins and are slowly finding your motivation lessening as your Netflix and pizza intake is increasing.

HuffPost

But then, watching the video without the sound, and looking at it slowly, bit-by-bit (lessening the "distraction" of the celebrity meme, and considering the subliminal allusions hitting the brain as fast as the scenery from a speeding train), the imagery starts to suggest other inferences.

Huffington Post

"Even though it's ever so slowly, the stigma is being lessened around mental health," Holmes said.

The New York Times - Sports

With this immunosuppressive therapy the palatal paralysis subsided, the headaches lessened and the patient, slowly regaining weight and energy, was able to return home.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

And so the latitudinarian spirit, slowly at first but with ever-increasing momentum, lessened a few of the inhibitions of the puritan regime.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Twelve cases had a lessening of symptoms, with another patient progressing slowly, and six patients dying.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slowly lessened" to describe a situation where a gradual decline is observed or expected, emphasizing the unhurried pace of the reduction. For example: "As the treatment took effect, the symptoms slowly lessened."

Common error

While "slowly lessened" accurately conveys a gradual decrease, be mindful of using it when a more immediate or significant change is meant. In such cases, consider alternatives like "rapidly decreased" or "significantly reduced" to better reflect the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slowly lessened" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by a verb. It describes how something is being reduced or diminished. As Ludwig AI indicates, it accurately describes a gradual reduction over time.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slowly lessened" describes a gradual reduction or decline over time. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct, though relatively rare in usage. It is a phrase with a neutral tone suitable for both general and professional contexts, found mainly in News & Media and Science. Consider alternatives like "gradually diminished" or "steadily decreased" to vary your phrasing and avoid overuse. Remember that, while precise, this phrase is not ideal if you are trying to convey a more impactful or sudden reduction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually diminished

This alternative emphasizes a slow and steady decline, similar to "slowly lessened".

steadily decreased

This phrase indicates a consistent and unhurried reduction, akin to the original phrase.

progressively declined

This suggests a step-by-step reduction over time, mirroring the gradual nature of "slowly lessened".

moderately reduced

This indicates a decrease that is not drastic, happening at a gentle pace.

gently subsided

This alternative gives a sense of calmness and gradual fading away, much like "slowly lessened".

bit by bit decreased

Highlights the incremental nature of the reduction, emphasizing that it happens in small stages.

imperceptibly waned

This suggests the reduction is so gradual it's hard to notice, highlighting the subtle change.

leisurely abated

This implies a relaxed and unhurried decrease, reinforcing the slow pace.

unhurriedly declined

This emphasizes the lack of urgency or speed in the reduction, aligning with "slowly lessened".

softly diminished

This suggests a gentle and subtle decrease, comparable to the gentle nature of "slowly lessened".

FAQs

What does "slowly lessened" mean?

The phrase "slowly lessened" means that something is decreasing or diminishing in intensity, degree, or quantity over a period of time. It indicates a gradual reduction rather than an immediate or abrupt one.

How can I use "slowly lessened" in a sentence?

You can use "slowly lessened" to describe anything that is gradually decreasing. For example: "As the crisis passed, the tension "slowly lessened"."

What are some alternatives to "slowly lessened"?

Some alternatives to "slowly lessened" include "gradually diminished", "steadily decreased", or "progressively declined". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "slowly lessened" formal or informal?

The phrase "slowly lessened" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the specific situation and audience. However, more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain academic or professional settings.