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/dˌɪmənˈuʃən/ Listen

noun

Diminution n.

The act of diminishing, or of making or becoming less; state of being diminished; reduction in size, quantity, or degree; opposed to augmentation or increase.

The act of lessening dignity or consideration, or the state of being deprived of dignity; a lowering in estimation; degradation; abasement. "The world's opinion or diminution of me." "Nor thinks it diminution to be ranked In military honor next."

(Law) Omission, inaccuracy, or defect in a record.

(Mus.) In counterpoint, the imitation of, or reply to, a subject, in notes of half the length or value of those the subject itself.

Synonyms: Decrease; decay; abatement; reduction; deduction; decrement.

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Etymology of 'Diminution'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Diminution" Quotes from Famous Books

... is apparent that the whole fabric of our prosperity would be prostrated, and remain so, until industry and commerce should find new and profitable channels for their enterprise. Clothing would be greatly enhanced in value, and this, to the laboring man, would be equivalent to a corresponding diminution of food and all the other comforts of life. Cleanliness and health, necessarily dependent on the abundance and cheapness of clothing, would be to some extent affected; and, indeed, every interest of society, in all sections and among all classes, ...

— The Continental Monthly, Vol 2, No 6, December 1862 - Devoted to Literature and National Policy • Various

... swift horses are required to keep up with them. The Indians complain of the destruction of the buffalo—forgetting that their own folly in killing the females is one of the chief causes of the diminution of their numbers. ...

— Afar in the Forest • W.H.G. Kingston

... resolution has not been taken, without a strict regard to all the considerations appertaining to the relation which binds a dutiful citizen to his country; and that, in withdrawing the tender of service which silence in my situation might imply, I am influenced by no diminution of zeal for your future interest; no deficiency of grateful respect for your past kindness; but am supported by a full conviction that the step is compatible ...

— Washington and the American Republic, Vol. 3. • Benson J. Lossing

... she died. It was so sudden that there was no change, no diminution. It was as if she had suddenly become fixed, immovable, like her own portrait: as if Time had ceased at its happiest hour, just as Claydon had thrown down his brush one day and said, 'I can't do ...

— Crucial Instances • Edith Wharton

... special term [Inselberg-landschaft] has been adopted in Germany to describe this kind of country, which is thought to be in great part the result of wind action.) As a general rule, the higher tablelands lie to the east and south, while a progressive diminution in altitude towards the west and north is observable. Apart from the lowlands and the Atlas range, the continent may be divided into two regions of higher and lower plateaus, the dividing line (somewhat concave to the north-west) ...

— Project Gutenberg Encyclopedia

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