diminished by

USAGE SUMMARY

'diminished by' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe something that has been reduced or lessened in some way. Example: The company's profits were diminished by the economic downturn.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mango strudel was diminished by unripe fruit.

The New York Times

We are all diminished by his death.

The New York Times

Their marketing power is diminished by ubiquity.

The Economist

But we're diminished by him".

The New York Times

His size diminished by half.

The Guardian - Books

"Our sport is diminished by this action".

The New York Times - Sports

We are all diminished by her passing.

The New York Times

We're all diminished by her loss.

The New York Times

And both are diminished by musicalisation.

The Guardian

Excitement only slightly diminished by drawing Serbia.

The Guardian - Sport

We are all diminished by his passing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "diminished by", ensure that the subject experiencing the reduction is clearly defined and the cause of the diminishment is explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The mountain's allure is not diminished by this quiet interlude."

Common error

Avoid using "diminished by" when the effect is complete removal or destruction. "Diminished" implies a reduction, not an elimination. For complete removal, consider alternatives like "eliminated by" or "destroyed by".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "diminished by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject has been reduced or lessened in some way due to the influence of an external factor. Ludwig examples show it connecting causes to effects, as in "His size diminished by half."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "diminished by" is a frequently used phrase that serves to indicate that something has been reduced or lessened due to an external influence. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and acceptable in English writing. Its usage spans across various contexts, prominently in news, media, science, and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, it's crucial to clearly define the subject being reduced and the cause of the diminishment to avoid ambiguity, as well as be careful not to suggest something has been completely removed rather than simply reduced. Alternatives such as "reduced by" and "lessened by" can provide similar meanings, depending on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced by

Specifies a measurable decrease; often used with numerical values or quantities.

lessened by

Indicates a decrease in intensity or degree; suitable for abstract qualities.

weakened by

Implies a reduction in strength or power due to an external factor.

impaired by

Suggests a negative impact on functionality or ability.

undermined by

Highlights a gradual or subtle weakening, often of something fundamental.

affected negatively by

A broader term indicating any adverse influence without specifying the nature of reduction.

compromised by

Signifies a state where something has been negatively impacted, often in quality or effectiveness.

degraded by

Indicates a decline in quality or condition, often implying a long-term effect.

attenuated by

Describes a reduction in force, effect, or value; often used in scientific contexts.

curtailed by

Emphasizes a restriction or limitation imposed by something else.

FAQs

How can I use "diminished by" in a sentence?

Use "diminished by" to indicate that something has been reduced in size, extent, or quality as a result of something else. For example, "The theatrical possibilities are "diminished by" the director's choices" shows how creative opportunities are reduced.

What are some alternatives to "diminished by"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "reduced by", "lessened by", or "weakened by" to convey a similar meaning. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to express.

Is it correct to say "diminished from" instead of "diminished by"?

"Diminished from" typically indicates a starting point from which something has decreased, while "diminished by" specifies the cause of the reduction. For instance, "The excitement was "diminished by" drawing Serbia" shows the cause of reduced excitement, not its origin.

How does "diminished by" differ from "tarnished by"?

"Diminished by" suggests a reduction in size, quality, or importance, while "tarnished by" implies a loss of luster or reputation. Although there can be semantic overlap between "tarnished by" and "diminished by", "diminished by" is usually used for tangible or quantifiable reductions, whereas tarnished by is for moral value.