/ dɪˈmɪnɪʃ; NAmE / verb
1.
to become or to make sth become smaller, weaker, etc.
SYN decrease :
[ v ]
The world's resources are rapidly diminishing.
His influence has diminished with time.
Our efforts were producing diminishing returns (= we achieved less although we spent more time or money) .
[also vn ]
2.
[ vn ] to make sb/sth seem less important than they really are
SYN belittle :
I don't wish to diminish the importance of their contribution.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : blend of archaic minish diminish (based on Latin minutia smallness) and obsolete diminue speak disparagingly (based on Latin deminuere lessen (in late Latin diminuere ), from minuere make small).