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 Words From

• predim·i·nution 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

“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

“This could include health care needs and medical monitoring, property restoration and diminution, and compensation for any net business loss.”

From New York Times

The slaying brought attention to the availability of credits for good behavior, known as “diminution credits” to reduce a prison sentence.

From Seattle Times

“We do not support any diminution of the territory of Gaza,” U.S.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• weakening