Diminish



GRE 蓝宝 TOEFL 考研

解释

GRE 红宝书

• v. 变小, 变少
• ［英］ v. 变小, 变少 ( cause sth to become smaller or less)
• ［类］ erode : diminish / accrete : enlarge ( 侵蚀使减少 / 增加使扩大)
• ［记］ di ( 向下) +mini ( 小) +ish -> 小下去 -> 缩小

Webster Collegiate

verb

• Etymology: Middle English deminishen, alteration of diminuen, from Anglo-French diminuer, from Late Latin diminuere, alteration of Latin deminuere, from de- + minuere to lessen — more at minor
• Date: 15th century
• transitive verb
  • 1. to make less or cause to appear less <diminish an army's strength>
  • 2. to lessen the authority, dignity, or reputation of ; belittle <diminish a rival's accomplishments>
  • 3. to cause to taper
• intransitive verb
  • 1. to become gradually less (as in size or importance) ; dwindle
  • 2. taper
• Synonyms: see decrease
• ? diminishable adjective
• ? diminishment noun

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