lessen

Compared meaning: to make something smaller or less (verb).

比较义项：使变小、减少（动词）。

• decrease

  A general, neutral verb for a measurable amount, number or rate becoming smaller; typical with costs, prices, sales or statistics; often used intransitively.

  中性、通用的动词，指可测量的数量、数字或比率变小；常与费用、价格、销量等统计性事物搭配；常用作不及物动词。

  Sales at the store usually decrease during the winter months.

  这家店的销量通常在冬季有所减少。

• lessen 本词

  Focuses on reducing the degree, intensity or severity of something, especially something negative like pain, stress or risk, rather than a countable amount; slightly more formal.

  侧重减轻某事物的程度、强度或严重性，尤其是疼痛、压力、风险等负面事物，而不是可数的数量；语气略正式。

  Regular exercise can lessen the risk of heart disease.

  经常锻炼可以降低患心脏病的风险。

Decrease and lessen both mean to make something smaller, but they differ. Decrease is a neutral, general word for a measurable amount, like cost, price, or number. Lessen focuses on reducing the degree or intensity of something negative, like pain, stress, or risk.

这两个词都能表示“减少”，但 decrease 是中性、通用的说法，多用于费用、数量、价格等可测量的事物；lessen 更强调减轻程度或强度，常搭配疼痛、压力、风险等负面、抽象的事物，语气也略偏正式。