lessen / lesson [ˈlɛsən]
lessen – v. – 1. decrease or diminish in size, capacity, quantity, scope, etc.; 2. disparage, humble, degrade, demean
lesson – n. & v. – n. – 1. the action of reading; 2. a lecture or course of lectures; 3. a reading from Holy Scriptures; 4. a portion of material to be studied; 5. a teaching; 6. a performance piece; v. – 1. instruct, teach, admonish, rebuke; 2. inculcate