Attenuate
harduh-TEN-yoo-ayt
verb
Definition
To reduce the force, effect, or value of; to weaken
Examples
“Distance attenuated the radio signal significantly.”
“Time had attenuated his grief but not erased it entirely.”
Categories
GRE Tip
Attenuate is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "weaken" or "diminish" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "strengthen".
Related GRE Words
debilitate
To make weak or feeble; to impair the strength of
devitalize
To deprive of strength, vitality, or energy
undermine
To weaken or damage something, especially gradually or insidiously
wane
To decrease in vigor, power, or extent; become weaker
ebb
To gradually decrease or decline; the movement of tide out to sea
enfeeble
To make weak or feeble
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