vähendab

Vähendab is an Estonian verb form meaning "reduces," specifically the third-person singular present tense of the verb vähendama, which means to reduce, decrease, or lessen. The infinitive form is vähendada. The verb is transitive and typically takes a direct object that indicates what is being reduced (for example, costs, risks, emissions).

In usage, vähendab appears in many contexts where something is made smaller or less extensive. Examples include everyday language such as Ta vähendab oma kulusid (He reduces his costs) and more formal contexts like Valitsus vähendab CO2 heitkoguseid (The government reduces CO2 emissions). It can describe reductions in numbers, amounts, intensity, or risks, and is also used in policy, economics, medicine, and environmental discussions.

Conjugation notes: the present tense form for a singular subject is vähendab; the first-person present is vähendan; the past tense singular form is vähendas. The passive present form is vähendatakse, and the past participle is vähendatud. Like many Estonian verbs, vähendada forms a family with related words such as vähendamine (reduction) and vähendaja (reducer).

Etymology and related forms: vähendab derives from the Estonian root related to väh- or vähe, connected with concepts of "less" or "few." It shares cognates within Finnic languages that express diminution or reduction. The word is common in technical, administrative, and everyday language when conveying a decrease in quantity or intensity.

See also: vähendamine, vähendaja, vähene.