Basic Details
Word: Diminish
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To make something smaller or weaker; to reduce in size, amount, or importance.
Synonyms: Reduce, lessen, decrease
Antonyms: Increase, enhance, amplify
Idioms and Phrases
- Diminish returns: This refers to a situation where the benefits gained from something decrease as the level of input increases. Example: "Investing more time in studying didn't help him much; he experienced diminishing returns."
- Diminish one's chances: To reduce the likelihood of success. Example: "By skipping practice, he diminished his chances of winning the competition."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The loud music from the party began to diminish as the night went on.
Example 2: If you take the medicine regularly, it will help diminish your cold symptoms.
Example 3: The team worked hard to diminish the gap between them and their rivals in the league standings.
Fun Fact
The word "diminish" originates from the Latin word "diminutio," which means "to lessen." It has been used in English since the late Middle Ages, making it a part of our language for hundreds of years!
Famous Quote
"The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence; it is to act with yesterday's logic." Peter Drucker
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "diminish" mean?
a) To make bigger
b) To make smaller
c) To keep the same
d) To strengthen
Answer: b) To make smaller
2. Which of these is a synonym of "diminish"?
a) Enhance
b) Reduce
c) Increase
d) Amplify
Answer: b) Reduce
3. Which sentence uses "diminish" correctly?
a) The storm will diminish the strength of the house.
b) The sunlight will diminish the gardens growth.
c) The new regulations will diminish pollution levels in the city.
d) She will diminish her book into a movie.
Answer: c) The new regulations will diminish pollution levels in the city.
4. Which idiom means to reduce the effectiveness or success?
a) Diminish returns
b) Break the ice
c) Jump on the bandwagon
d) Beat around the bush
Answer: a) Diminish returns
5. What is the opposite of "diminish"?
a) Lower
b) Decrease
c) Increase
d) Lessen
Answer: c) Increase
