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

Example sentences from the Web for diminished

British Dictionary definitions for diminished (1 of 2)

diminished
/ (dɪˈmɪnɪʃt) /

adjective

reduced or lessened; made smaller
music denoting any minor or perfect interval reduced by a semitone
music denoting a triad consisting of the root plus a minor third and a diminished fifth
music (postpositive) (esp in jazz or pop music) denoting a diminished seventh chord having as its root the note specified B diminished

British Dictionary definitions for diminished (2 of 2)

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, noun

Word Origin for diminish

C15: blend of diminuen to lessen (from Latin dēminuere to make smaller, from minuere to reduce) + archaic minish to lessen