slighten

/ˈslaɪ.tən/

Etymology

From slight + -en. Related to German schlichten (“to smoothen”). More at slight.

verb

To make or become slight; make or become less pronounced, less noticeable, or less obvious.“His smile slightened as if he knew they talked of him.”
To slight.“[…] as God forbid that anyone should hint a slightening word of what our sons and brothers are doing just now, and doing for us!”
To level out, smooth, or flatten.“to slighten the sheets out”