Word
minimize
Phoneticsmin·i·mize, stress on the first syllable
/ˈmɪnəˌmaɪz/
UK spelling · minimise
Definitions
01to reduce to a minimum
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
v. to make something as small as it can possibly be.
v. to reduce something to the smallest possible amount, extent, or degree.
“The company is trying to minimize costs by using less packaging.”
“The new safety protocols were designed to minimize the risk of accidents during the construction of the high-rise bridge.”
Usage
Often used in academic or professional contexts regarding risk, cost, or impact.
02to downplay or trivialize
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to treat something as if it is not important or serious.
v. to represent or estimate something at less than its true value or importance; to trivialize a concern or event.
“You shouldn't minimize her feelings just because you don't agree with her.”
“Critics argued that the government's report attempted to minimize the environmental impact of the new industrial zone.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03to hide a computer window
B1 · Intermediate Computing
v. to hide a window on your computer screen without closing the program.
v. to reduce a graphical user interface window to an icon or a taskbar button without terminating the application.
“I minimized the browser window so I could see the files on my desktop.”
“If you minimize the application while the update is running, it will continue to process in the background.”
Usage
Usually takes a digital object like 'window', 'app', or 'program'.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “minimize” in context.
Verb
01. minimise difference
“The new policy aims to minimise difference in educational outcomes between urban and rural schools.”
verb + noun
02. minimise effect
“Doctors prescribed medication to minimise the effect of the allergic reaction.”
verb + noun
03. minimise impact
“The company implemented new safety protocols to minimise the impact of the industrial strike.”
verb + noun
Real-World Examples
“The immediate proposal is designed to minimise that risk.” “In turn, that positive self-image helps your brain minimize arousal killers such as stress and anxiety.” “As a homeowner, explore non-chemical alternatives first, and apply any treatments sparingly and responsibly to minimize harm to beneficial insects and other wildlife .” “That has been minimized to varying degrees, with some phones showing almost no crease at all.” Etymology
From Latin minimus + -ize.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
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