What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
diminute
Example
The diminute size of the toy made it perfect for small hands. [diminute: adjective]
Example
His role in the project was diminute, but still important. [diminute: noun]
Example
The word 'photo' is a diminute form of 'photograph'. [diminute: adjective]
shrink
Example
The sweater shrank in the wash and no longer fits me. [shrank: past tense]
Example
She went to see a shrink to help her deal with her anxiety. [shrink: noun]
Example
We need to shrink our expenses if we want to save money. [shrink: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shrink is more commonly used than diminute in everyday language. Shrink is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while diminute is less common and often used in more formal or technical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between diminute and shrink?
Diminute is typically associated with a more formal tone, while shrink is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.