abatement
uh-BAIT-munt
/əˈbeɪtmənt/
The ending, reduction, or lessening of something, especially a nuisance or pollution.
In economics, 'marginal abatement cost' refers to the cost of reducing one additional unit of pollution.
The story behind the word. From 'a-' (to) and 'batre' (to beat). It originally meant to literally beat something down or knock it over. In law, it came to mean quashing a lawsuit or stopping a nuisance.
Word relationships
- reduction: Reduction is general; abatement often implies a formal or regulated process of lowering a nuisance.
- accumulation: Accumulation is the building up of something, while abatement is the beating down or reduction.
Commonly confused with
- rebate: A rebate is a partial refund of money; abatement is a reduction in the amount of something (like pollution or taxes).
Word family
- abate (verb): To become less intense or widespread.
Collocations
- pollution abatement
- abatement costs
- noise abatement
Example sentences
- "The cost of carbon abatement varies significantly across different industrial sectors." Economic analysis of pollution control.
Memory hook
Think of 'Abating' a storm—the wind 'beats down' and becomes calm. Beating down the pollution.
When not to use
Avoid using it for personal emotions; it is almost always used for formal, legal, or environmental reductions.
Fun facts
- In heraldry, an 'abatement' is a mark of dishonor added to a coat of arms.
Explore more words
Marginal, Rebate, remediation, reduce, mitigation, alleviate
Also appears in
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