Which word means to reduce in amount or degree?

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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 correct choice is "Abate," which means to lessen or diminish in amount, degree, or intensity. This term is often used in contexts where something that was previously strong or severe is being reduced, such as the abatement of a storm or noise.

While "decrease" might also convey a similar notion of reduction, "abate" is more specific to a lessening of something that is often viewed as negative or excessive. "Modify" refers to making changes or alterations, which doesn’t inherently imply a reduction. "Mitigate" means to make something less severe or serious but does not directly convey a reduction in amount or degree; instead, it often relates to softening the impact of a negative situation. Thus, "Abate" is the precise term that encapsulates the idea of reduction.