diminution

[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.

diminution

/ ˌdɪmɪˈnjuːʃən /

noun

1. reduction; decrease

2. music the presentation of the subject of a fugue, etc, in which the note values are reduced in length Compare augmentation

Other Word Forms

• prediminution noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of diminution¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of diminution¹

C14: from Latin dēminūtiō; see _diminish

Example Sentences

He believes that the discovery of even simple alien life would be the latest chapter in the diminution of humanity's place in the cosmos.

From BBC

In other words, what has been agreed is a fragile step towards some diminution of the fighting in Ukraine but with no guarantee of success amid an atmosphere of mutual distrust.

From BBC

But conservatives criticized the move as a diminution of U.S. strength, and even the Democratic National Committee declined to endorse it.

From Los Angeles Times

“Those cities have not seen diminution of visitors due to the size of the levy. When we are seeing equivalents elsewhere, it is going to be marginal in terms of price disruption.”

From BBC

The judge found, external that several elements of the act do cause a "significant" diminution of the rights enjoyed by asylum seekers residing in Northern Ireland under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.

From BBC

Related Words

• weakening www.thesaurus.com