diminish
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/dɪˈmɪnɪʃ/
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To become or make something smaller, weaker, or less important.
Examples
She tried not to diminish the impact of the news.
He didn't want to diminish her achievements in the report.
By ignoring the evidence, they diminish the case's credibility.
His quiet demeanor tends to diminish his authority in meetings.
When the lights are dimmed, the glare diminishes.
Similar words
lessen
shrink
wane
trivialize
downplay
reduce
belittle
undermine
marginalize
contract
Meanings
Examples
The snow diminishes as the sun rises.
His enthusiasm diminished after the long meeting.
The company's profits are diminishing year after year.
She tried not to diminish the impact of the news.
When the lights are dimmed, the glare diminishes.
Over time, the noise diminished to a faint hum.
The river's flow diminishes during the dry season.
Similar words
shrink
reduce
lessen
contract
wane
dwindle
Examples
He didn't want to diminish her achievements in the report.
The scandal diminished his political standing.
Critics often diminish the author's early work.
She felt the comment would diminish his reputation.
The budget cuts diminish the department's influence.
By ignoring the evidence, they diminish the case's credibility.
His quiet demeanor tends to diminish his authority in meetings.
Similar words
belittle
downplay
marginalize
devalue
undermine
trivialize
Etymology
From Middle English diminishen, a blend of diminuen ‘to reduce’, ultimately from Old French diminue.
FAQ
It means to become or make something smaller, weaker, or less important.
How does diminish describe something getting smaller in size or amount?
It means to grow smaller in size, amount, or intensity.
How does diminish describe reducing importance or status?
It means to make a person or thing seem less important, influential, or powerful.
What are some synonyms for diminish when it means to become smaller?
Synonyms include shrink, reduce, lessen, contract, wane, and dwindle.
What are some synonyms for diminish when it means to reduce importance?
Synonyms include belittle, downplay, marginalize, devalue, undermine, and trivialize.
What is the origin of diminish?
It comes from Middle English diminishen, a blend of diminuen ‘to reduce’, ultimately from Old French diminue.
In which domains is diminish used?
It is used in the physical domain for size changes and in the social domain for importance or status.
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