minimise
Translation
to minimize, to reduce, to downplay
Examples
We must minimise the risk of an accident.
We must minimize the risk of an accident.
He tried to minimise his role in the scandal.
He tried to minimize his role in the scandal.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to reduce (sth.) to the smallest amount We must minimize the risk.
Similar Words
Synonyms: reduce, decrease, lessen, downplay; Antonyms: maximize, increase, exaggerate
Etymology
From Latin 'minimus' (smallest) + the verb-forming suffix '-ise' (spelled '-ize' in US English).
Memory Tips
Think of 'mini' for small. To 'minimize' is to make something as small or 'mini' as possible. The '-ise' spelling is the British variant.