flatten
word
Definition
To make something flat or become flat by pressing, crushing, or spreading. It can also mean to reduce the force, level, or intensity of something.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used for physical objects (like dough, boxes, grass), but can also be metaphorical (e.g., 'flatten the curve'). Often used with 'out' ('flatten out'). Avoid confusing with 'flattened' for the adjective.
Spanish: aplanar - alisarPortuguese (BR): achatar - alisarPortuguese (PT): achatar - alisarChinese (Simplified): 压平 - 变平Chinese (Traditional): 壓平 - 變平Hindi: चपटा करना - समतल करनाArabic: يُسطّح - يَفْرِشBengali: সমতল করা - চ্যাপ্টা করাRussian: разгладить - выравнивать - расплющиватьJapanese: 平らにするVietnamese: làm phẳng - đè bẹpKorean: 평평하게 하다 - 납작하게 만들다Turkish: düzleştirmek - ezmekUrdu: چپٹا کرنا - ہموار کرناIndonesian: meratakan - menekan
Example Sentences
Please flatten the dough before baking cookies.
basic
The grass was flattened after the storm.
basic
She used a tool to flatten the cardboard box.
basic
If you flatten the plastic bottles, they'll take up less space in the bin.
natural
The government hopes to flatten the curve of new infections.
natural
The loud noise from the construction was enough to flatten anyone's mood.
natural