What does it mean to 'subsides' in the context of intensity or severity?

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Study for the SAT Vocabulary 2025 Test. Master vocabulary with flashcards and questions, each with detailed explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The term 'subsides' refers to a reduction in intensity or severity. When something subsides, it decreases in strength, force, or severity. In various contexts, like emotions, physical sensations, or environmental factors (such as storms), to say that something subsides reflects that it is calming down or diminishing in impact.

For example, if a storm subsides, the winds and rain lessen, indicating a drop in intensity. Therefore, the choice indicating that it becomes less intense aligns perfectly with the meaning of the word, showcasing how 'subsides' conveys a sense of easing or diminishing presence.