diminish

diminish — verb

1. to become smaller in amount, strength, or importance, or to cause something to b

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

to become smaller in amount, strength, or importance, or to cause something to become smaller in these ways.

例句

Élise waited for the pain in her knee to diminish before continuing her walk.

intransitive: gradual natural process

The afternoon crowd diminished as people left for their train rides home.

同義詞
  • decrease

    more neutral and widely used for measurable quantities

  • lessen

    simpler and more common for intangible things like pain or fear

  • dwindle

    more vivid, suggesting something shrinks nearly to nothing

反義詞
  • increase

    to become greater in amount or size

  • grow

    to become larger or stronger over time

文法句型

diminish + (something)

diminish + intransitively

用法筆記

Frequently used without an object when describing a natural or gradual change. The transitive use requires an external cause and a direct object.

常見錯誤

❌The noise diminished away slowly.
✅The noise diminished slowly.
💡'diminish' already implies a gradual reduction; adding 'away' is redundant.

2. to cause someone or something to appear less worthy, respected, or significant t

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to cause someone or something to appear less worthy, respected, or significant than they actually are.

例句

Felix felt his boss was trying to diminish him by ignoring his suggestions in the meeting.

transitive + personal object

The journalist's reputation was diminished by a false report she was forced to publish.

passive: reputation diminished

同義詞
  • belittle

    more direct and personal, often about deliberate speech

  • undermine

    suggests gradual weakening of confidence or authority

  • disparage

    focuses on speaking negatively about someone

反義詞
  • enhance

    to increase the value or reputation of

  • elevate

    to raise to a higher status or position

文法句型

diminish + somebody/something

be diminished + (by something)

用法筆記

Often used in passive constructions when the focus is on the person whose reputation is harmed rather than on who causes the harm.

常見錯誤

❌He diminished the cost of the materials.' (when meaning reputation).
✅The director's remarks diminished her standing in the team.
💡Sense 2 is about harming reputation or dignity, not reducing a measurable quantity.