diminish
Translation
to diminish, to decrease, to lessen, to reduce
Examples
The supplies of food began to diminish.
The supplies of food began to diminish.
His authority was diminished by the scandal.
His authority was diminished by the scandal.
Don't diminish the importance of this task.
Don't diminish the importance of this task.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) diminishes sth. becomes smaller or less. Our hopes of victory are diminishing.
to diminish ((sth.)) to make sth. smaller or less. The new law will diminish our freedom.
Similar Words
Synonyms: decrease, lessen, reduce; Antonyms: increase, grow, enhance
Etymology
From Latin 'deminuere' (to make small), from 'de-' (down) + 'minuere' (to make small). It's related to 'minus'.
Memory Tips
Think 'di-minus' – to make something minus, or smaller. It's about reducing value or size.