diminish
dih-MIH-nihsh
Diminish (verb) means to make something smaller, weaker, or less important. Example: “Nothing could diminish her enthusiasm for the project.”
verb
1
To make something smaller, weaker, or less important.
"Nothing could diminish her enthusiasm for the project."
"The scandal diminished public trust in the company."
2
To become smaller or less in amount or intensity.
"His influence in the party diminished over the years."
How to use diminish
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo shrink something, or to make it seem less important, or to shrink on its own.
Common pairings
diminish in value
diminish the impact
diminish over time
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- diminishes
- Past tense
- diminished
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Nothing could _____ her enthusiasm for the project.
Etymology
Shaped by the blending of Old French "diminuer" (from Latin "dīminuo") with the older English word "minish", both meaning to make smaller.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for diminish
See all rhymes for diminish →Frequently asked questions
What does “diminish” mean?
The word “diminish” means to make something smaller, weaker, or less important. In plain terms, to shrink something, or to make it seem less important, or to shrink on its own.
How do you pronounce “diminish”?
“Diminish” is pronounced dih-MIH-nihsh (/dɪˈmɪnɪʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “diminish” in a sentence?
Here is “diminish” used in a sentence: “Nothing could diminish her enthusiasm for the project.”
What is another word for “diminish”?
Words with a similar meaning to “diminish” include decline, ebb, ooze, abase, abate and belittle.
What is the opposite of “diminish”?
The opposite of “diminish” — its antonyms — are improve, repair, renovate, wax and augment.
What part of speech is “diminish”?
“Diminish” is a verb.
Where does the word “diminish” come from?
The word “diminish” comes from Latin. Shaped by the blending of Old French "diminuer" (from Latin "dīminuo") with the older English word "minish", both meaning to make smaller.
Is “diminish” a common word?
“Diminish” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
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