Nearby Words

diminution

[dim-uh-noo-shuhn, -nyoo-] Example Sentences Origin

dim·i·nu·tion

[dim-uh-noo-shuhn, -nyoo-]
noun
1.
the act, fact, or process of diminishing; lessening; reduction.
2.
Music. the repetition or imitation of a subject or theme in notes of shorter duration than those first used.

Origin:
1275–1325; Middle English diminucion < Anglo-French diminuciun < Latin dīminūtiōn- (stem of dīminūtiō), for dēminūtiōn- (stem of dēminūtiō) (by influence of dīmunuere; see diminish), equivalent to dēminūt(us) (past participle of dēminuere, equivalent to dē- de- + minuere to lessen) + -iōn- -ion

pre·dim·i·nu·tion, noun
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Diminution is always a great word to know.
So is major. Does it mean:
rest equal in time value to a half note
major interval, chord, scale
Example Sentences
  • Several questions have been raised about the progressive diminution of the birth rate.
  • Then there is the real or perceived diminution of mobility on the job market.
  • The diminution of the national cricket team is a catastrophe in its own right.
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Collins
World English Dictionary
diminution (ˌdɪmɪˈnjuːʃən)
 
n
1.  reduction; decrease
2.  music Compare augmentation the presentation of the subject of a fugue, etc, in which the note values are reduced in length
 
[C14: from Latin dēminūtiō; see diminish]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

diminution
c.1300, from Anglo-Fr. from diminuciun, Fr. diminution, from L. diminutionem, earlier deminutionem, noun of action from deminuere (see diminish).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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