Diminish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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diminish
[dɪˈmɪnɪʃ ]
Definitions
in everyday life
Diminish means to make or become less. It can refer to a decrease in size, intensity, or importance.
Synonyms
decrease, lessen, reduce, weaken.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| diminish |
Used when something becomes less in importance, size, or worth gradually over time. It can also imply a reduction in confidence, pride, or enthusiasm.
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| decrease |
Commonly used in statistical or measurable contexts to describe a reduction in number, size, or amount.
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| reduce |
Commonly used in a wide variety of contexts to imply making something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.
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| lessen |
Often used when trying to make something smaller, fewer, or less severe, especially feelings or effects. Generally focuses on intensity or severity.
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| weaken |
Used when something loses strength, power, or effectiveness. It can have a negative connotation, often implying a detrimental effect.
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Examples of usage
- The storm will gradually diminish in strength.
- The company's profits have been diminishing over the past year.
in academic writing
In academic writing, diminish is often used to indicate a decrease in the significance or value of something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| diminish |
Diminish is commonly used to describe a reduction in size, importance, or intensity over time. It's often neutral in tone.
|
| weaken |
Weaken is used to describe making something less strong or less effective. It can be used both in literal and more abstract contexts. It's generally neutral.
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| undermine |
Undermine is used to describe actions that weaken or harm something or someone by underhanded means. It often implies a negative intention.
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| devalue |
Devalue is used when decreasing the value or worth of something, often intentionally. It has a slightly negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The author's argument is diminished by the lack of supporting evidence.
- The study's findings were diminished by methodological flaws.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Studies show that the perception of loss can trigger emotional responses, making us feel sad as we experience things diminishing.
- In cognitive psychology, diminishing returns describe how our satisfaction decreases as we consume more of something.
Economics
- Diminishing utility is an economic principle stating that as we consume more units of a good, the satisfaction we gain from each additional unit decreases.
- In finance, the value of assets can diminish over time due to depreciation.
Literature
- Authors often use the concept of diminishing hope or dreams as a powerful theme, illustrating characters facing loss.
- In poetry, diminishing can symbolize the fading of love or memory, creating a sense of nostalgia.
Pop Culture
- In movies, the idea of diminishing powers often appears in superhero narratives, where characters experience a decrease in their abilities.
- Songs and literature frequently touch on feelings of diminishing expectations or joy, reflecting personal struggles.
Origin of 'diminish'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'deminuere', meaning 'to lessen' or 'reduce'.
- It first appeared in English during the late Middle Ages, reflecting the idea of reduction in different contexts.
The word 'diminish' originated from the Latin word 'diminuere', which means 'to lessen'. It has been used in the English language since the 15th century. Over time, 'diminish' has evolved to encompass a broad range of meanings related to reduction and decrease.
See also: diminished, diminishing, diminishment, diminution.