ENGLISH
REFERENCE

minimize

v.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈmɪnəˌmaɪz// min·i·mize Academic Dialect

v. to make something as small as possible. You can use this for physical things, like a window on a computer screen, or for abstract things like risks.

v. to reduce something to the smallest possible amount, extent, or degree. Also used to represent something as less important or significant than it truly is.


SIMPLE

You should minimize the window to see your desktop.

CONTEXTUAL

The company implemented new safety protocols to minimize the risk of accidents in the factory.

COMPLEX

While the spokesperson attempted to minimize the impact of the data breach, independent analysts suggested the long-term reputational damage could be substantial.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Latin minimus + -ize.

Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. In computing contexts, it specifically refers to collapsing a graphical window into a taskbar icon.

Pitfall

minimize about the problemminimize the problemMinimize is a transitive verb and does not require a preposition before its object.

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