minimize

[ min-uh-mahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, min·i·mized, min·i·miz·ing.

1. to reduce to the smallest possible amount or degree.
2. to represent at the lowest possible amount, value, importance, influence, etc., especially in a disparaging way; belittle.

minimize

/ ˈmɪnɪˌmaɪz /

verb

1. to reduce to or estimate at the least possible degree or amount

   to minimize a risk

2. to rank or treat at less than the true worth; belittle

   to minimize someone's achievements

Derived Forms

• ˈminiˌmizer, noun
• ˌminimiˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• mini·mi·zation noun
• mini·mizer noun
• un·mini·mized adjective
• un·mini·mizing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of minimize¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; minim(um) + -ize

Related Words

• curtail
• decrease
• diminish
• downplay
• lessen
• play down
• reduce
• trivialize
• underestimate