attenuate

/əˈtɛn.juˌeɪt/verb
University
1

To reduce in size, force, value, amount, or degree.

2

To make thinner, as by physically reshaping, starving, or decaying.

3

To become thin or fine; to grow less.

4

To weaken.

5

To rarefy.

6

To reduce the virulence of a bacterium or virus.

7

To reduce the amplitude of an electrical, radio, or optical signal.

8

(of a beer) To become less dense as a result of the conversion of sugar to alcohol.

Sound Patterns & Rhymes

Rhymes

Words that share the same ending sound pattern

Alliteration

Words starting with the same consonant sound — used in poetry and prose to create rhythm, emphasis, and memorable phrasing (e.g. “Peter Piper picked”)

Assonance

Words sharing similar vowel sounds regardless of starting letter — creates internal melody in writing

Consonance

Words sharing similar consonant sound patterns — adds texture and cohesion to writing