diminish
[ dih-min-ish ]
/ dɪˈmɪn ɪʃ /
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.
Origin of diminish
1400–50; late Middle English; blend of
diminuen (< Anglo-French
diminuer < Medieval Latin
dīminuere for Latin
dēminuere to make smaller) and
minishen
minish
synonym study for diminish
5. See
decrease.
OTHER WORDS FROM diminish
Words nearby diminish
Example sentences from the Web for diminish
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, adjective diminishingly, adverb diminishment, nounWord Origin for diminish
C15: blend of
diminuen to lessen (from Latin
dēminuere to make smaller, from
minuere to reduce) + archaic
minish to lessen