Definitions and Examples of reduce, decrease, diminish
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To make something smaller in size, amount, or degree.
Example
The company had to reduce its workforce due to financial difficulties.
To become smaller in size, amount, or degree.
Example
The temperature will decrease as we move into autumn.
To make something less important, valuable, or effective.
Example
The scandal has diminished the politician's reputation.
Key Differences: reduce vs decrease vs diminish
- 1Reduce implies making something smaller in size, amount, or degree.
- 2Decrease implies becoming smaller in size, amount, or degree.
- 3Diminish implies making something less important, valuable, or effective.
Effective Usage of reduce, decrease, diminish
- 1Business: Use these antonyms to describe changes in profits, sales, or production.
- 2Academics: Use these antonyms to describe changes in test scores, grades, or academic performance.
- 3Daily Life: Use these antonyms to describe changes in weather, traffic, or household expenses.
Remember this!
The antonyms of augment are reduce, decrease, and diminish. Use these words to describe changes in size, amount, or degree. Reduce implies making something smaller, decrease implies becoming smaller, and diminish implies making something less important or effective.