to lessen
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to lessen
To weaken or reduce the intensity or harshness of something negative. This can refer to pain, punishments, conflicts, or harsh statements.
Die neuen Medikamente sollen die Symptome der Krankheit mildern.
The new medications are intended to lessen the symptoms of the illness.
to lessen
To become less strict, harsh, or intense. Often refers to feelings, weather conditions, or a strict attitude.
Nachdem er die ganze Geschichte gehört hatte, milderte sich sein Zorn.
After he had heard the whole story, his anger lessened.
to reduce
In legal language, the reduction of a judgment or punishment, often due to mitigating circumstances.
Das Gericht entschied, die Strafe zu mildern, da der Angeklagte Reue zeigte.
The court decided to reduce the sentence because the defendant showed remorse.
The verb 'mildern' (to lessen) is directly derived from the adjective 'mild' (mild). It literally means to make something 'milder'—that is, less harsh, sharp, or intense.
Eine Tasse Tee kann Halsschmerzen etwas mildern.
A cup of tea can lessen a sore throat somewhat.
'Mildern' (to lessen) can be used transitively or reflexively. Transitively, a person or thing lessens something negative (e.g., pain). Reflexively, 'sich mildern' means that something becomes less intense on its own (e.g., anger).
Die Salbe mildert den Juckreiz.
The ointment lessens the itching.
When 'mildern' (to lessen) is used transitively, it always refers to something negative. Typical objects are: pain, symptoms, the consequences, a judgment, a punishment, or a conflict.
Ein Kompromiss konnte den Konflikt zwischen den Parteien mildern.
A compromise was able to lessen the conflict between the parties.
In a legal context, 'mildern' (to reduce) has the fixed meaning of reducing a punishment or judgment. Words like 'Gericht' (court), 'Strafe' (punishment/sentence), or 'Angeklagter' (defendant) are clear signals for this meaning.
Der Richter milderte das Urteil, weil der Täter noch sehr jung war.
The judge reduced the sentence because the offender was still very young.
In a legal context, the expression 'mildernde Umstände' (mitigating circumstances) is very important. These are reasons that make an act seem less serious and can lead to a lighter punishment.
Das Gericht erkannte mildernde Umstände an.
The court recognized mitigating circumstances.
to relieve
For pain, both lindern and mildern are possible. Lindern is the usual choice when the affected person's relief is the focus. Mildern emphasizes that something negative becomes less severe or harsh, and can refer to other burdensome things as well as pain.
Die Behandlung mildert seine heftigen Schmerzanfälle während der Nacht.
The treatment lessens his severe bouts of pain during the night.
Die Behandlung lindert seine Schmerzen, sodass er wieder schlafen kann.
The treatment relieves his pain, allowing him to sleep again.
