minish

[ min-ish ]

verb (used with or without object)

, Archaic.

1. to diminish or lessen.

Word History and Origins

Origin of minish¹

1300–50; late Middle English, variant (assimilated to -ish ² ) of menuse < Middle French menu ( i ) sier < Vulgar Latin *minūtiāre to lessen. See minute ², mince

Example Sentences

Minish tried to dodge behind small spruce trees.

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As the bear neared, Minish held up the pointed end of his surveying pole and pushed it toward the bear to keep it away from him.

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The bear simply knocked it to the side, the force of which also knocked Minish to the ground.

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Minish, 61, has had his share of bear encounters over the 40 years he’s lived in Alaska, but nothing like this.

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"I guess I feel lucky," Minish said of his encounter with the bear, after someone told him it’s better than being dead.

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About This Word

What does minish mean?

Minish means the same thing as diminish—to make or become smaller, fewer, or less.

Minish is considered archaic, which means it was once in regular usage but is now largely unused.

Example: Our forces have minished, and we must draw back.

Where does minish come from?

The first records of the word minish come from around the 1300s. Minish ultimately comes from the Vulgar Latin verb minūtiāre, meaning “to lessen.” The word minute (meaning “small”) is based on a related root.

The word diminish actually comes from a blend of minish and the Anglo-French-derived term diminuen, meaning “to lessen” (from Latin verb dēminuere, “to make smaller”).

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What are some synonyms for minish?

• diminish
• lessen
• decrease
• reduce

What are some words that share a root or word element with minish? 

• minute