Nearby Words
verb (used with object)
1.
to make or cause to seem smaller, less, less important, etc.; lessen; reduce.
2.
Architecture. to give (a column) a form tapering inward from bottom to top.
3.
Music. to make (an interval) smaller by a chromatic half step than the corresponding perfect or minor interval.
4.
to detract from the authority, honor, stature, or reputation of; disparage.
verb (used without object)
5.
to lessen; decrease.
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Diminishing
is always a great word to know.
So is ninnyhammer. Does it mean:
| a screen or mat covered with a dark material for shielding a camera lens from excess light or glare. |
| a fool or simpleton; ninny. |
Origin:
1400–50; late Middle English; blend of diminuen (< Anglo-French diminuer < Medieval Latin dīminuere for Latin dēminuere to make smaller) and minishen minish
1400–50; late Middle English; blend of diminuen (< Anglo-French diminuer < Medieval Latin dīminuere for Latin dēminuere to make smaller) and minishen minish
Related forms
di·min·ish·a·ble, adjective
di·min·ish·ment, noun
non·di·min·ish·ing, adjective
pre·di·min·ish, verb (used with object)
pre·di·min·ish·ment, noun
EXPANDun·di·min·ish·a·ble, adjective
un·di·min·ish·a·ble·ness, noun
un·di·min·ish·a·b·ly, adverb
un·di·min·ished, adjective
un·di·min·ish·ing, adjective
COLLAPSE
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source
|
Link To diminishing
WordNet
| diminishing | |
adjective | |
| becoming smaller or less or appearing to do so; "diminishing returns"; "his diminishing respect for her" |
WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
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