minimize

especially British, min·i·mise

[min-uh-mahyz]

verb (used with object)

minimized, minimizing 

1. to reduce to the smallest possible amount or degree.

2. to represent at the lowest possible amount, value, importance, influence, etc., especially in a disparaging way; belittle.

minimize

/ ˈmɪnɪˌmaɪz /

verb

1. to reduce to or estimate at the least possible degree or amount

   to minimize a risk

2. to rank or treat at less than the true worth; belittle

   to minimize someone's achievements

Other Word Forms

• minimization noun
• minimizer noun
• unminimized adjective
• unminimizing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of minimize¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; minim(um) + -ize

Example Sentences

Several systems now allow students to apply to several public universities and colleges with a single application, minimizing fees and avoiding the time-consuming process of completing different forms, writing essays and collecting letters of recommendation.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

We all care about trying to minimize taxes in any given year, but lifetime tax-rate management focuses on minimizing your effective tax rate over your lifetime.

Read more on Barron's

“Now, however, we have a window where we can make informed decisions about how to minimize our taxes.”

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“The goal now is to minimize risk by standardizing, sequencing, and simplifying,” Isaac said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

This lease structure minimizes the lease liabilities and related assets Meta will recognize, and enables Meta to use “operating lease,” rather than “finance lease,” treatment.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• curtail 
• decrease 
• diminish 
• downplay 
• lessen 
• play down 
• reduce 
• trivialize 
• underestimate