Main Entry: di·min·ish
Pronunciation: \də-ˈmi-nish\
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English deminishen, alteration of diminuen, from Anglo-French diminuer, from Late Latin diminuere, alteration of Latin deminuere, from de- + minuere to lessen — more at minor
Date: 15th century
transitive verb 1 : to make less or cause to appear less {diminish an army's strength}
2 : to lessen the authority, dignity, or reputation of : belittle {diminish a rival's accomplishments}
3 : to cause to taperintransitive verb 1 : to become gradually less (as in size or importance) : dwindle
2 : taper
2 : to lessen the authority, dignity, or reputation of : belittle {diminish a rival's accomplishments}
3 : to cause to taperintransitive verb 1 : to become gradually less (as in size or importance) : dwindle
2 : taper
synonyms see decrease
— di·min·ish·able \-ni-shə-bəl\ adjective
— di·min·ish·ment \-mənt\ noun
