diminish

[dih-min-ish]

verb (used with object)

1. to make or cause to seem smaller, less, less important, etc.; lessen; reduce.

2. Architecture.,  to give (a column) a form tapering inward from bottom to top.

3. Music.,  to make (an interval) smaller by a chromatic half step than the corresponding perfect or minor interval.

4. to detract from the authority, honor, stature, or reputation of; disparage.

verb (used without object)

1. to lessen; decrease.

diminish

/ dɪˈmɪnɪʃ /

verb

1. to make or become smaller, fewer, or less

2. (tr) architect to cause (a column, etc) to taper

3. (tr) music to decrease (a minor or perfect interval) by a semitone

4. to belittle or be belittled; reduce in authority, status, etc; depreciate

Other Word Forms

• diminishable adjective
• diminishment noun
• nondiminishing adjective
• prediminish verb (used with object)
• prediminishment noun
• undiminishable adjective
• undiminishableness noun
• undiminishably adverb
• undiminished adjective
• undiminishing adjective
• diminishingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of diminish¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; blend of diminuen (from Anglo-French diminuer, from Medieval Latin dīminuere, from Latin dēminuere “to make smaller”) and minishen minish

Word History and Origins

Origin of diminish¹

C15: blend of diminuen to lessen (from Latin dēminuere to make smaller, from minuere to reduce) + archaic minish to lessen

Synonym Study

See decrease.

Example Sentences

This inconsistency doesn’t diminish the portion of Pissarro’s paintings that is luminous.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Even with a diminished supreme leader, the regime is making decisions and executing plans.

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Investment in AI will keep boosting stocks, spending by wealthier people will support the economy as the less well-off economize, and uncertainty about trade will diminish, but remain a factor.

Read more on Barron's

His standing is boosted by the strength of his combination with Ben Duckett, though the Kent man's returns are diminishing.

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The diminishing sample size typically translates into bigger revisions and a greater reliance on estimates.

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Related Words

• abate 
• curtail 
• decline 
• decrease 
• dwindle 
• ebb 
• lessen 
• lower 
• recede 
• reduce 
• shrink 
• slacken 
• subside 
• temper 
• wane 
• weaken 

When To Use

What does diminish mean?

To diminish is to become smaller, fewer, or less, as in If we don’t order more, our stock of supplies will slowly diminish until we run out completely.It can also mean to make smaller, fewer, or less, as in We need to diminish our reliance on fossil fuels. Close synonyms of these senses of diminish are reduce, decrease, and lessen.Diminish can also be used in less literal ways. It can mean to make something seem smaller or less significant, as in The senator tried to diminish his role in the scandal. The verb downplay is used in a similar way.To diminish a person is to reduce or take away from their stature, reputation, or authority in some way—to belittle or disparage them, as in The new tell-all book is clearly an attempt to diminish a man who is regarded as a legend in his field. Example: My interest in sports has diminished since I was a kid—I’m only a casual fan now.