�������t¶��

To diminish is to become smaller, fewer, or less, as in If we don’t order more, our stock of supplies will slowly diminish until we run out completely.

It can also mean to make smaller, fewer, or less, as in We need to diminish our reliance on fossil fuels. Close synonyms of these senses of diminish are reduce, decrease, and lessen.

Diminish can also be used in less literal ways. It can mean to make something seem smaller or less significant, as in The senator tried to diminish his role in the scandal. The verb downplay is used in a similar way.

To diminish a person is to reduce or take away from their stature, reputation, or authority in some way—to belittle or disparage them, as in The new tell-all book is clearly an attempt to diminish a man who is regarded as a legend in his field.��

Example: My interest in sports has diminished since I was a kid—I’m only a casual fan now.

The first records of the word diminish come from the 1400s. It comes from a blend of the Anglo-French-derived term diminuen, meaning “to lessen” (from Latin verb ��ŧ�����Գܱ����, “to make smaller”), and the archaic word minish, which means the same thing as diminish.

A common use of diminish is in the phrase diminishing returns, which is used in the context of economics, business, and other fields to refer to a reduction in the desired result (the “return”) of some action, such as profit, productivity, or some other benefit. The law of diminishing returns is a model, developed by economist David Ricardo, stating that as more effort or money is invested into a venture, the less returns one is likely to get over time. The concept can be applied to many fields.

What are some other forms related to diminish?

• diminished (past tense verb, adjective)
• diminishing (continuous tense verb, adjective)
• diminishment (noun)
• diminishable (adjective)

What are some synonyms for diminish?

• reduce
• decrease
• lessen
• decline
• dwindle
• shrink
• wane
• downplay
• belittle
• disparage

What are some words that share a root or word element with diminish?��

• minish
• diminishing returns
• diminished responsibility
• diminutive

What are some words that often get used in discussing diminish?

• returns
• quality
• supplies
• detract
• reputation

Diminish can be used in all kinds of contexts, including those involving both tangible things (like supplies) and intangible ones (like quality or reputation).

Still some wind gusts this early evening, but winds will diminish later tonight. Join me at 6pm for a look ahead at what you can expect for the first work week of 2021.

— Tim Studebaker ABC6 (@TStudebakerABC6)

You have the power within yourself to make anything possible, you must diminish the doubt & ignite the self belief.

— KeepTheFaith EP Out Now (@OskidoIBelieve)

I don’t have to diminish you in order to shine. And I don’t have to render you powerless in order to be powerful.

— Be A King (@BerniceKing)

��

Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of diminish?��

A. lessen
B . shrink
C. decrease
D. enlarge