Basic Details
Word: Diminution
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The process of becoming smaller or less important.
Synonyms: Reduction, decrease, lessening
Antonyms: Increase, expansion, augmentation
Idioms and Phrases
- A diminishing return: The principle that after a certain point, the level of benefits gained is less than the amount of money or energy invested. Example: "Their efforts to improve the garden became a diminishing return, as the weeds kept coming back."
- In the face of diminishing odds: Referring to a situation where chances or possibilities are decreasing. Example: "He continued to work on his project in the face of diminishing odds, determined to complete it."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The diminution in the number of trees led to more pollution in the city.
Example 2: After many years of careful management, there was a noticeable diminution of waste in the recycling programme.
Example 3: The artists exhibition showcased the gradual diminution of colour in her earlier works, which reflected her artistic journey.
Fun Fact
The word "diminution" comes from the Latin "diminutio," which means "to lessen." It has been used in English since the late 14th century, primarily in legal and literary contexts.
Famous Quote
"The greatest loss is the dimunition of the quality of our lives." Varun Agarwal
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "diminution" mean?
a) A process of becoming larger
b) A process of becoming smaller
c) A type of fruit
d) A style of music
Answer: b) A process of becoming smaller
2. Which of these is a synonym of "diminution"?
a) Increase
b) Reduction
c) Addition
d) Expansion
Answer: b) Reduction
3. Which sentence uses "diminution" correctly?
a) There was a diminution in the amount of ice cream left after the party.
b) I love the diminution of my favourite song.
c) The diminution rose quickly in the garden.
d) They decided to have a diminution for lunch.
Answer: a) There was a diminution in the amount of ice cream left after the party.
4. Which idiom means a similar thing to "diminution"?
a) A rapidly growing interest
b) Diminishing returns
c) A breath of fresh air
d) As strong as an ox
Answer: b) Diminishing returns
5. What is the opposite of "diminution"?
a) Decline
b) Decrease
c) Increase
d) Diminish
Answer: c) Increase
