What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
diminish
Example
The amount of rainfall will diminish as we move into the summer months. [diminish: verb]
Example
The company's profits have diminished over the past year. [diminished: past participle]
reduce
Example
We need to reduce our carbon footprint to help the environment. [reduce: verb]
Example
The store is reducing the prices of their products for the holiday season. [reducing: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reduce is more commonly used than diminish in everyday language. Reduce is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while diminish is less common and has a more specific usage.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between diminish and reduce?
Both diminish and reduce can be used in formal or informal contexts, but reduce is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.