minimise
UK: ˈmɪn.ɪ.maɪz | US: ˈmɪn.ə.maɪz
vt. to reduce something to the smallest possible amount or degree
vt. to represent or estimate something at less than its true value or importance
minimise = mini<small> + mise<verb suffix (variant of -ize)>
- mini (from Latin minimus, meaning "smallest" or "least")
- mise (a variant of the verb-forming suffix -ize, derived from Greek -izein, indicating "to make" or "to cause to become")
Etymology Origin:
The word minimise originates from the Latin minimus ("smallest"), combined with the Greek-derived suffix -ize (via Old French -iser). The suffix -ize was adopted into English to form verbs meaning "to render or make." Thus, minimise literally means "to make small" or "to reduce to the least possible amount." The British spelling retains the -ise ending, while American English uses -ize.
The company aims to minimise waste by recycling materials.
She tried to minimise the impact of her mistake by apologising immediately.
The software update will minimise battery consumption.
Politicians often minimise the severity of economic crises.
To minimise confusion, the instructions were written in simple language.