attenuate (verb) - to weaken or reduce in amount, force, or magnitude; to make longer and thinner [uh-ten-yoo-ayt]
BREAKDOWN: A- (to) + TENU- (to stretch) + -ATE (to make)
attenuated means weakened or stretched out
attenuation is a gradual lessening in amount, force, or value
See also: contentious, ostensible, pretentious, tendentious, tenuous
“A cosmic perspective always attenuates tragedy. If we climb high enough, we will reach a height from which tragedy ceases to look tragic.” —Irvin D. Yalom
