diminish
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /dɪˈmɪnɪʃ/
KK: /dɪˈmɪnɪʃ/
intransitive verb
Definition
To become smaller or less in size, amount, or intensity.
Example
As the sun set, the light began to diminish.
Tense Forms
Past: diminished
Past Participle: diminished
Conversation
I've noticed that my motivation seems to diminish after lunch.
Yeah, I think that happens to a lot of people.
I wish I knew how to keep my energy up so it doesn't diminish so quickly.
Maybe try a quick walk or some light stretching to refresh yourself!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
decrease
lessen
shrink
Antonyms
increase
expand
grow
transitive verb
Definition
To make something smaller or less in amount, size, or importance.
Example
The new law will diminish the amount of pollution in the city.
Tense Forms
Past: diminished
Past Participle: diminished
Conversation
I feel like the stress from work can really diminish my mood.
I totally get that. It's tough when you have too much on your plate.
Right? Sometimes I wish I could just find a way to diminish the workload.
Root Explanation
Diminish → It is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "minuere" (meaning to lessen). The word describes the act of making something less or reducing it in size or amount.
Memory Tip
Think of 'making something less' — 'de-' means down or away, and 'minuere' means to lessen.
Visually Confused Words
rediminish
minish
prediminish
undiminished
minxish
minkish
dimmish