Definitions and Examples of reduce, shrink, diminish
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To make something smaller or less in size, amount, or degree.
Example
The company had to reduce its workforce due to financial difficulties.
To become smaller in size or amount; to contract or draw back.
Example
The wool sweater shrunk in the wash and no longer fit me.
To make something smaller, weaker, or less important.
Example
The impact of his speech was diminished by his nervousness and lack of preparation.
Key Differences: reduce vs shrink vs diminish
- 1Reduce is a general term that describes making something smaller or less in size, amount, or degree.
- 2Shrink is a more specific term that describes the act of becoming smaller in size or amount.
- 3Diminish is a broader term that can describe making something smaller, weaker, or less important.
Effective Usage of reduce, shrink, diminish
- 1Business: Use these antonyms to describe changes in company size, production, or revenue.
- 2Cooking: Incorporate these antonyms when discussing food preparation techniques such as reducing a sauce or shrinking vegetables.
- 3Academics: Utilize these antonyms when discussing the effects of policies, actions, or events on various aspects of society.
Remember this!
The antonyms of enlarge are reduce, shrink, and diminish. These words convey the opposite meaning of making something smaller or decreasing its size. Use these antonyms in business, cooking, and academic contexts to describe changes in size, production, or importance.