Attenuate
hardNegative toneuh-TEN-yoo-ayt
verb
Definition
To reduce the force, effect, or value of; to weaken
Memory hook
A-TEN-U-ATE: you ate so little you became THIN — to reduce in force or thickness.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“Distance attenuated the radio signal significantly.”
“Time had attenuated his grief but not erased it entirely.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“Distance ______ the radio signal significantly.”
Show answer
attenuated
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
impair
to weaken or damage, especially in function
ebb
To gradually decrease or decline; the movement of tide out to sea
enfeeble
To make weak or feeble
sap
(verb) To gradually weaken or destroy; to drain of energy
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