diminish
UK: dɪˈmɪnɪʃ | US: dɪˈmɪnɪʃ
vt. to make or become smaller, weaker, or less significant
vi. to gradually decrease in size, amount, or intensity
diminish = di<completely> + min<small> + ish<verb suffix>
- di- (from Latin dis-, meaning "completely" or "apart")
- min (from Latin minuere, meaning "to lessen" or "small")
- -ish (a verb-forming suffix indicating action or process)
Etymology Origin:
The word "diminish" traces back to Latin deminuere (to lessen), combining de- (down) and minuere (to make small). Over time, it evolved through Old French diminuer before entering Middle English as "diminishen." The morpheme min persists in related words like "minimum" and "minor," reinforcing the core idea of reduction.
The storm's intensity will diminish by tomorrow.
Harsh sunlight can diminish the vibrancy of painted walls.
His criticism did nothing to diminish her enthusiasm.
Overfishing has caused fish populations to diminish rapidly.
The medication helps diminish chronic pain.