Dictionary.com

minish

[ min-ish ]
/ ˈmÉȘn ÉȘʃ /
Save This Word!
verb (used with or without object) Archaic.
to diminish or lessen.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of minish

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

Words nearby minish

minipig, minipill, minirecorder, minischool, miniseries, minish, miniski, miniskirt, ministate, minister, ministerial
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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 minĆ«tiāre, 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