diminish
[ dih-min-ish ]
/ dɪˈmɪn ɪʃ /
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verb (used with object)
to make or cause to seem smaller, less, less important, etc.; lessen; reduce.
Architecture. to give (a column) a form tapering inward from bottom to top.
Music. to make (an interval) smaller by a chromatic half step than the corresponding perfect or minor interval.
to detract from the authority, honor, stature, or reputation of; disparage.
verb (used without object)
to lessen; decrease.
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Origin of diminish
1400–50; late Middle English; blend of diminuen (<Anglo-French diminuer<Medieval Latin dīminuere for Latin dēminuere to make smaller) and minishenminish
synonym study for diminish
5. See decrease.
OTHER WORDS FROM diminish
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use diminish in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for diminish
diminish
/ (dɪˈmɪnɪʃ) /
verb
to make or become smaller, fewer, or less
(tr) architect to cause (a column, etc) to taper
(tr) music to decrease (a minor or perfect interval) by a semitone
to belittle or be belittled; reduce in authority, status, etc; depreciate
Derived forms of diminish
diminishable, adjectivediminishingly, adverbdiminishment, nounWord Origin for diminish
C15: blend of diminuen to lessen (from Latin dēminuere to make smaller, from minuere to reduce) + archaic minish to lessen
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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