Dictionary.com

minish

[ min-ish ]
/ ˈmɪn ɪʃ /
Save This Word!
verb (used with or without object) Archaic.
to diminish or lessen.
QUIZ
QUIZ YOURSELF ON AFFECT VS. EFFECT!
In effect, this quiz will prove whether or not you have the skills to know the difference between “affect” and “effect.”
Question 1 of 7
The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.
affect
effect
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT
Meet Grammar CoachWrite or paste your essay, email, or story into Grammar Coach and get grammar helpImprove Your Writing
Meet Grammar CoachImprove Your Writing
Write or paste your essay, email, or story into Grammar Coach and get grammar help

Origin of minish

1300–50; late Middle English, variant (assimilated to -ish2) of menuse<Middle French menu(i)sier<Vulgar Latin *minūtiāre to lessen. See minute2, mince

Words nearby minish

minipill, Minipress, minirecorder, minischool, miniseries, minish, miniski, miniskirt, ministate, minister, ministerial
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

ABOUT THIS WORD

What does minish mean?

Minish means the same thing as diminish—to make or become smaller, fewer, or less.

Minish is considered archaic, which means it was once in regular usage but is now largely unused.

Example: Our forces have minished, and we must draw back.

Where does minish come from?

The first records of the word minish come from around the 1300s. Minish ultimately comes from the Vulgar Latin verb minūtiāre, meaning “to lessen.” The word minute (meaning “small”) is based on a related root.

The word diminish actually comes from a blend of minish and the Anglo-French-derived term diminuen, meaning “to lessen” (from Latin verb dēminuere, “to make smaller”).

Did you know ... ?

What are some synonyms for minish?

What are some words that share a root or word element with minish? 

How to use minish in a sentence

FEEDBACK