To make or become smaller in size, amount, intensity, or importance; to reduce or lessen gradually.
From Old French 'diminuer,' from Latin 'diminuere' (to break into small pieces), combining 'de-' (away) and 'minuere' (to lessen). The root 'min-' appears in 'minute' and 'minimum.' Entered English in the 15th century.
Think of diminish as making something 'mini' - it's getting smaller and smaller, like a balloon slowly losing air. The 'min-' root is the same as in 'minimize' - making things tiny!
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