# diminish

/dɪˈmɪnɪʃ/ (US) · /dɪmˈɪnɪʃ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/diminish
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. to decrease in size or amount

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic

to become smaller, fewer, or less important.

For teachers: to become gradually less or smaller in size, amount, or degree. Often used intransitively to describe natural or economic trends.

- The noise from the street began to diminish as the night went on.
- The company's profits began to diminish after the new competitor entered the market with a more efficient production model.

Usage: Often used without a direct object to describe a process of reduction.

### 2. to make something smaller

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic

to make something seem less important or smaller than it really is.

For teachers: to reduce the size, importance, or intensity of something. Transitive use requiring a direct object.

- The new law will diminish the power of the local government.
- The administration sought to diminish the impact of the scandal by releasing the report late on a Friday afternoon.

Usage: Takes a direct object, such as 'power', 'influence', or 'impact'.

### 3. to belittle or insult

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to treat someone or something as if they are not important or valuable.

For teachers: to lessen the reputation, authority, or dignity of a person or achievement; to disparage.

- You should not try to diminish her success just because you are jealous.
- Critics attempted to diminish the artist's legacy by focusing solely on his early, less sophisticated works.

Teaching tip: In this sense, the word is a more formal and precise alternative to 'put down' or 'belittle'.

## Examples

- The noise began to diminish as the train moved away.
- The company's profits continue to diminish as more competitors enter the local market with lower prices.
- While the physical symptoms of the illness may diminish over time, the psychological impact often requires a more sustained and structured approach to recovery.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.