Diminishable

/dɪˈmɪnɪʃəbəl/ adjective

Definition

Capable of being made smaller, reduced, or lessened in size, amount, or importance.

Etymology

From Middle English 'diminishen,' derived from Old French 'diminuer,' which came from Latin 'diminuere' (di- 'away' + minuere 'to make small'). The suffix '-able' means 'capable of being.'

Kelly Says

Everything in the physical world is technically 'diminishable,' but what's philosophically interesting is that some things—like a person's dignity or a nation's trust—people insist aren't, even though we see them shrink all the time.

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