Definitions and Examples of deplete, diminish
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To reduce the amount or quantity of something by using it up or consuming it.
Example
The constant use of natural resources is causing them to deplete at an alarming rate.
To make something smaller or less significant; to decrease in size, importance, or value.
Example
The company's profits started to diminish after the economic downturn.
Key Differences: deplete vs diminish
- 1Deplete implies a complete or significant reduction in something, while accruing implies an increase or accumulation over time.
- 2Diminish implies a gradual or partial decrease in something, while accruing implies a gradual or partial increase over time.
Effective Usage of deplete, diminish
- 1Financial Context: Use accruing to describe the gradual accumulation of interest or earnings on investments, and use deplete to describe the reduction of funds or resources.
- 2Environmental Context: Use deplete to describe the reduction of natural resources, and use diminish to describe the loss of biodiversity or habitat.
- 3Personal Context: Use diminish to describe the decrease in someone's health, happiness, or well-being, and use accruing to describe the gradual accumulation of knowledge or skills.
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Remember this!
The antonyms have distinct nuances: Deplete implies a complete or significant reduction, while diminish implies a gradual or partial decrease. Use accruing to describe the gradual accumulation of something over time, and use deplete and diminish to describe the reduction or decrease of something.
