Literary notes about abate (AI summary)
The term abate is employed across a wide range of genres and periods to signify a reduction or subsiding of intensity, whether in emotional turmoil, physical forces, or abstract states. In certain texts, it denotes a gradual lessening of bodily symptoms or natural phenomena, as when a storm is expected to diminish its force [1] or when physical pain subsides [2]. In dramatic and poetic works the word underscores the moderation of passions and conflicts, such as calming anger or softening grief [3], [4], [5]. Its versatility is further highlighted by its application in both literal and figurative contexts—from alleviating the fury of nature or human emotions to embodying the ebbing of vigor in ongoing endeavours [6], [7].
- “This evening, at ten o’clock,” replied Captain Harding; “and Heaven grant that the storm does not abate before our departure.”
— from The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne - The application gave me some relief, but the swelling did not abate.
— from Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, Written by Herself by Harriet A. Jacobs - Abate thy rage, abate thy manly rage; Abate thy rage, great duke.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - This reflection does not, however, abate in the slightest our sense of bereavement in the untimely loss of so good and great a man as Abraham Lincoln.
— from Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, Complete by Ulysses S. Grant - And this shall free thee from this present shame, If no inconstant toy nor womanish fear Abate thy valour in the acting it.
— from Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare - The rigour of the winter began to abate.
— from Roughing It in the Bush by Susanna Moodie - So he had to begin the bitter lesson, to abate himself, to take less than he wanted.
— from The Rainbow by D. H. Lawrence
