Diminish

Definition

Diminish means to make or become less in size, importance, or intensity. It can refer to both physical reduction and the lessening of something abstract, like influence or value.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈmɪnɪʃ/
• Respelling: dih-MIN-ish

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈmɪnɪʃ/
• Respelling: dih-MIN-ish

The pronunciation of "diminish" is the same in both American and British English.

Etymology

The word "diminish" comes from the Late Latin "deminere," meaning "to lessen or make smaller," which derives from the Latin "de-" (down or away) and "minuere" (to lessen or reduce). The term entered English in the late Middle Ages and has been used to convey a reduction in size or importance.

Derivatives

• Diminished (adjective)
• Diminishing (adjective/verb)
• Diminishment (noun)
• Undiminished (adjective)
• Diminuendo (noun/adjective, musical term)

Synonyms

• Decrease
• Reduce
• Lessen

Antonyms

• Increase
• Enhance
• Amplify

Usage

The word "diminish" is often used in everyday speech to describe situations where something becomes less prominent, significant, or extensive. It can be applied to both tangible objects, such as "the supply of resources," and abstract concepts, like "reputation" or "influence." It is also commonly used in discussions about economics, music, and science.

Related Terms

• Reduction: The act of making something smaller or less in amount.
• Decline: A gradual decrease in quality, quantity, or importance.
• Minimize: To reduce something to the smallest possible amount or degree.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To make something less or smaller: Refers to the act of reducing size, amount, or importance.
  • Example: "The lack of rain will diminish the crop yield this season."
• To reduce or weaken something: Refers to making something less effective or powerful.
  • Example: "Her confidence was diminished after the criticism."
• In music, to make a note or interval smaller: Refers to reducing the duration or intensity of a note or chord.
  • Example: "The composer used a diminishing chord progression to create tension."