diminish
The noise from the street diminished as she closed the window.
The noise became quieter after she closed the window.
to make something smaller in size, importance, or intensity
His confidence diminished after the failed presentation.
He became less confident after the presentation did not go well.
The light diminished as the sun set.
The light became weaker as the sun went down.
Often used to describe a gradual reduction in something.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
Use 'diminish' to describe a gradual reduction in size, importance, or intensity.
Gold Rule
Transitive vs. Intransitive
'Diminish' can be used with or without an object. Example: 'The sound diminished' (intransitive) vs. 'The noise diminished the concentration' (transitive).
Word Origin
From Middle English 'diminishen,' from Old French 'diminuer,' from Latin 'diminuere,' meaning 'to lessen,' from 'deminuere,' from 'de-' (down) + 'minuere' (to make small).
Usage Notes
Can be used both transitively (with an object) and intransitively (without an object). Often implies a gradual process.