DIMINISH


Meaning of DIMINISH in English

v.

1. tr. & intr. make or become smaller or less.

2 tr. lessen the reputation or influence of (a person).

Phrases and idioms:

law of diminishing returns Econ. the fact that the increase of expenditure, investment, taxation, etc., beyond a certain point ceases to produce a proportionate yield.

Derivatives:

diminishable adj.

Etymology: ME, blending of earlier minish f. OF menusier (formed as MINCE) and diminue f. OF diminuer f. L diminuere diminut- break up small

Oxford English vocab.      Оксфордский английский словарь.