Words / C1

di-MIN-ish/dɪˈmɪnɪʃ/

Diminish means become, or make, smaller in size, strength, or importance. Native writers often use it for status, influence, or a feeling that fades, not only for numbers. Reduce usually takes an object (reduce costs). Decrease is more neutral for quantities. Diminish can be intransitive: the noise diminished.

Meaning

To become smaller or less important.

Examples

• “The pain diminished after an hour.”
• “His influence diminished after the scandal.”
• “Do not diminish her contribution; she designed the study.”

Good to know

diminish = grow/make smaller (often importance). reduce + object. decrease = numbers.

Near in meaning

lessen

New