Pronunciation: [lˈɛsənz] (IPA) 
The word "lessens" is spelled with a double "s" in between two vowels. The first "s" in "lessens" is pronounced with the "s" sound /s/, while the second "s" is pronounced with the "z" sound /z/. This is due to the spelling rule that when a vowel comes before a double "s", the first "s" is pronounced with the "s" sound and the second "s" is pronounced with the "z" sound. The IPA phonetic transcription for "lessens" is /ˈlɛsənz/.
The term "lessens" functions as a verb and is the third-person singular present form of the verb "lessen." It is derived from the base word "less," which means a smaller amount or degree of something. When used as a verb, "lessen" refers to the act of decreasing in size, intensity, amount, or degree. It indicates a reduction or diminishing of something.
To lessen typically implies a gradual but noticeable decline or moderation in the quantity, quality, intensity, or impact of something. It suggests a process or action that causes something to become smaller, lighter, weaker, or less significant over time. The act of lessening can occur within a wide range of contexts, including physical, emotional, or abstract situations.
In the physical realm, lessening can involve the shrinking or reduction in size or magnitude of an object or substance. For example, the amount of rainfall may lessen from heavy downpour to a light drizzle. In an emotional context, lessening often refers to the easing or alleviation of an emotional burden, such as when a supportive friend lessens someone's sadness or grief. In abstract situations, lessening can imply the calming or weakening of tensions, conflicts, or disagreements.
Overall, "lessens" describes an ongoing action that brings about a decrease, weakening, or mitigation of something, providing a gradual relief or reduction in various aspects or elements.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "lessens" is derived from the English verb "lessen" which originated from Middle English "lesen", which in turn came from Old English "lǣsian". This Old English word means "to make less or diminish". The root of "lǣsian" is the Proto-Germanic word "lasjaną", meaning "to make less". Ultimately, it is believed to have its origins in the Proto-Indo-European root "les-" or "leis-", meaning "to glean" or "to collect". It is worth noting that the verb "lessen" acquired the plural form "lessens" due to the regular English pattern of forming plurals by adding "-s" to singular nouns or verbs.
