verb

diminish

dih-MIH-nihsh

verb

To make something smaller, weaker, or less important.

"Nothing could diminish her enthusiasm for the project."

"The scandal diminished public trust in the company."

To become smaller or less in amount or intensity.

"His influence in the party diminished over the years."

How to Use Diminish

Learner’s notes

In 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

diminished past tense, diminishes singular

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Can you complete this real example?

Nothing could _____ her enthusiasm for the project.

Shaped by the blending of Old French "diminuer" (from Latin "dīminuo") with the older English word "minish", both meaning to make smaller.

decline ebb ooze abase abate belittle besmall bring down embase cut decrease decrement

improve repair renovate wax augment

abate accept increase accumulate kill wax retreat break

finish

decline ebb ooze abase abate belittle besmall bring down embase cut decrease decrement