Attenuate
Verb
Definition: To make thin or slender; to reduce in thickness or density.
Definition: To weaken or reduce in force or intensity; to enervate.
Synonyms: Thin, Weaken, Enervate, Reduce, Lessen
Antonyms: Strengthen, Amplify, Enhance, Fortify
- The virus attenuated over time due to natural selection.
- The medication attenuated the symptoms of the disease.
- Think of "attenuate" as "attenuating" or reducing something.
- Remember that "attenuate" starts with "att," which can be associated with "reduce" or "lessen."
Etymology:
The word "attenuate" comes from the Latin word "attenuare," which means "to thin out" or "to make thin." It is derived from the combination of the prefix "ad-" (meaning "to" or "towards") and the Latin word "tenuis" (meaning "thin" or "slender").
Historical Usage:The word "attenuate" has been used in the English language since the 15th century. It has retained its main meanings of thinning or reducing in force or intensity throughout history.
Related Idioms:
"Attenuated virus"
Explanation:Used in the context of virology, it refers to a weakened or modified form of a virus that is used in vaccines to trigger an immune response without causing the disease.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "attenuate" with "accentuate" or "intensify."
Explanation:"Attenuate" means to reduce or weaken, while "accentuate" means to emphasize or highlight. It is important to distinguish between these two words to avoid potential confusion.