Definition of diminish

The word "diminish" has its roots in Old French, dating back to the 13th century. It comes from the French word "diminuir," which is derived from the Latin "diminuere," meaning "to make smaller" or "to decrease." This Latin term is a combination of "diminutio," "a making small," and "utare," "to use" or "to employ," literally meaning "to use less" or "to make use smaller." Throughout its evolution, the word "diminish" has retained its original meaning, referring to the act of making something smaller, less, or fewer, whether it be a physical object, a quantity, or an attribute. In modern English, the word is often used in a figurative sense, describing the reduction or alleviation of a situation, emotion, or problem.