diminish

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "diminish" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a verb to indicate a decrease or decline in size, amount, value or degree. For example: "The popularity of the band diminished as the years went by."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The 10% hurdle, dating from the military-authored constitution of 1980, had been intended in part to diminish Kurdish representation in the parliament.

The Guardian

Yet none of this seems to diminish the Kennedy legend; it only enhances it.

The Guardian

That would leave the UK outside the family of nations upholding universal human rights and would hugely diminish our reputation abroad.

The Guardian - Opinion

It may just make Miliband try harder to cut a deal for increased state funding for political parties, which would diminish their influence still further.

The Guardian

Its appearance does nothing to diminish his reputation; quite the opposite.

The Guardian - Books

Unless their top scorer Patrick Bamford – injured in last month's 1-0 win at Carrow Road – is fully recovered the chances of all those fans witnessing wild feats of goalscoring will diminish further.

The Guardian - Sport

The planned walkout is the result of a multi-year effort by big labor to diminish and disparage these hard-working Americans by attacking the companies they work for.

The Guardian

However, the data will diminish hopes that the ECB will feel the need to take further action to stimulate growth.

The Guardian - Business

But subsequent events should not diminish Inter's performance at Juventus Stadium.

The Guardian - Sport

In its submission to the world heritage committee, the Department of Environment said it is seeking a "minor boundary modification" to remove plots of land which diminish the overall quality of the protected area.

The Guardian

In fact, analysis also tends to show that a higher salary is barely a motivator at all for many staff, and more money can even work to diminish employee engagement.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "diminish" when you want to express a gradual reduction in size, importance, or intensity. For example, "The importance of fossil fuels will diminish as renewable energy sources become more prevalent."

Common error

Avoid using "diminish" excessively in formal writing. While appropriate, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "reduce", "lessen", or "decrease" to enhance clarity and readability.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "diminish" is as a verb, indicating an action of becoming or making something smaller, lesser, or weaker. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts, all consistent with this verbal function. It is used transitively or intransitively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "diminish" is a verb used to describe a reduction in size, importance, or intensity. Ludwig's analysis confirms it is grammatically correct and very common, appearing frequently in news and business contexts. To improve writing, remember that while versatile, overuse of "diminish" should be avoided by using "lessen", "reduce", or "decrease" for a diverse vocabulary. Ensure its use aligns with describing gradual or less direct reductions, as per the examples provided by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lessen

Implies a reduction in degree, intensity, or amount; often interchangeable with "diminish".

decrease

Suggests a reduction in quantity, size, or intensity, similar to "diminish" but more general.

reduce

Indicates a lowering in amount, price, or size; closely related to "diminish".

decline

Refers to a gradual decrease or deterioration, sharing a sense of weakening with "diminish".

wane

Implies a decrease in power, intensity, or extent, often used for abstract qualities.

abate

Suggests a lessening in intensity or degree, especially of something unpleasant or severe.

subside

Indicates a decrease in intensity or activity, often after a period of excitement or turbulence.

fade

Implies a gradual loss of color, strength, or distinctness, conveying a sense of imperceptible decline.

taper off

Suggests a gradual reduction in size, intensity, or frequency, often used for processes or activities.

mitigate

Indicates a reduction in the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.

FAQs

How can I use "diminish" in a sentence?

"Diminish" can be used to describe a reduction in size, importance, or intensity. For example, "The pain will diminish over time," or "His influence in the company began to diminish after the scandal."

What are some synonyms for "diminish"?

Alternatives for "diminish" include "lessen", "reduce", "decrease", "decline", and "wane". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "diminish the impact"?

Yes, "diminish the impact" is a correct and commonly used phrase. It means to reduce the effect or influence of something. For example, "Efforts were made to diminish the impact of the new regulations on small businesses."

What's the difference between "diminish" and "reduce"?

While both "diminish" and "reduce" indicate a decrease, "diminish" often implies a gradual or less direct reduction. "Reduce" suggests a more direct and controlled decrease. For instance, you might "reduce" the amount of sugar in a recipe, but the value of an old car will naturally "diminish" over time.