minimize — to reduce something to the smallest possible amount or degree
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to reduce something to the smallest possible amount or degree
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmɪnɪmaɪz/
Example Sentences
- To minimize my mom's nagging, I clean my room before she notices the mess.
- The company is trying to minimize environmental impact by using renewable energy.
- She minimized her browser window when her boss walked by.
minimize
VERB[/ˈmɪnɪmaɪz/]
to reduce something to the smallest possible amount or degree

The company minimized waste to reduce costs.

The shrinking ray minimized a giant robot into a mini toy. (GIANT → MINI = MINIMIZE → turning something huge into something tiny)

Minimize the waste, optimize the process, and maximize the reward.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Latin minimus (smallest), minimize was introduced to English in the 17th century. Originally employed as a mathematical term, it gradually expanded to broader general usage in everyday language.
Breakdown
minimum (from Latin minimus, smallest) + -ize (verb-forming suffix meaning to make or cause to become).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“To minimize my mom's nagging, I clean my room before she notices the mess.”
“The company is trying to minimize environmental impact by using renewable energy.”
“She minimized her browser window when her boss walked by.”
“To minimize awkwardness, he pretended not to see his ex-girlfriend at the party.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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