diminish — to become or make smaller, fewer, or less; to reduce in size, extent, or intensity
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to become or make smaller, fewer, or less; to reduce in size, extent, or intensity
Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˈmɪnɪʃ/
Example Sentences
- My bank account seems to diminish faster than my appetite for pizza.
- The teacher's patience began to diminish as students kept asking if the test was postponed.
- Regular exercise can help diminish stress and improve overall health.
diminish
VERB[/dɪˈmɪnɪʃ/]
to become or make smaller, fewer, or less; to reduce in size, extent, or intensity
The magnificent peach slowly diminishes until only a tiny crumb remains.
When the light dims, everything starts to diminish — until it's finished.(DIM + FINISH → When something DIMishes, it heads toward its FINISH)
What you diminish, you must finish — or find a way to replenish.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'diminuere' meaning 'to lessen or reduce,' combined with the prefix 'dis-' (meaning 'apart' or 'away') and 'minuere' (meaning 'to make smaller'). The word entered Middle English through Old French 'diminuer.'
Breakdown
dis- (apart, away) + minuere (make smaller) = diminish (to make smaller or reduce)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My bank account seems to diminish faster than my appetite for pizza.”
“The teacher's patience began to diminish as students kept asking if the test was postponed.”
“Regular exercise can help diminish stress and improve overall health.”
“The company's reputation began to diminish after the scandal broke.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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