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Diminished Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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diminished

[dษชหˆmษชnษชสƒt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

music

Made smaller or less in size, amount, or degree. In music, diminished refers to a chord that is made up of a minor third and a diminished fifth.

Synonyms

decreased, lessened, reduced.

Examples of usage

  • The diminished chord created a sense of tension in the music.
  • The composer used diminished scales to add a sense of mystery to the piece.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To make or become less. To diminish something is to reduce its size, amount, or intensity.

Synonyms

decrease, lessen, reduce.

Examples of usage

  • The company's profits diminished after the economic downturn.
  • The noise from the construction site diminished as the workers finished for the day.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feeling diminished can affect self-esteem, leading to a lowered sense of self-worth.
  • In therapy, individuals often work through feelings of being diminished by others to regain confidence.
  • Smaller accomplishments can lead to feelings of inadequacy if they overshadow larger achievements.

Music

  • In music, a diminished chord is created by stacking minor thirds, giving it a tense sound.
  • Diminished chords often appear in classical and jazz music, adding emotional depth.
  • The use of diminished scales can create a sense of mystery or suspense in compositions.

Literature

  • Themes of diminished hopes or dreams are common in classic literature, reflecting characters' struggles.
  • In storytelling, a character's sense of diminished ability can drive their development and plot progression.
  • Authors often use language related to diminishing to highlight the passage of time or loss of vitality in their narratives.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In various cultures, the concept of diminishing can relate to aging and the change in oneโ€™s capabilities over time.
  • Social discussions around diminished capacities often focus on the elderly or those with disabilities, advocating for respect and inclusion.
  • Art and visual media often capture themes of diminishment, portraying loss and nostalgia in various forms.

Origin of 'diminished'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'diminuere', meaning 'to lessen'.
  • It has roots in the Old French word 'desminuer', which also means to reduce.
  • The prefix 'di-' indicates a form of reduction, while 'minuere' means to lessen.

The word 'diminished' comes from the Latin word 'diminuere', which means 'to make smaller'. The term has been used in various contexts, including music and general language, to indicate a decrease in size, amount, or intensity. Over time, 'diminished' has become a common adjective and verb in English, reflecting the concept of reduction or decrease.

See also: diminish, diminishing, diminishment, diminution.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,761, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.