make or become less
减少,减小,缩减,降低
- 
                                                
[with obj.]
the new law is expected to diminish the government's chances 新法律有望减少政府的机会
 - 
                                                
[no obj.]
the pain will gradually diminish .疼痛会渐渐减轻。
 
[with obj.]make (someone or something) seem less impressive or valuable
贬低(某人,某物)的形象;缩小(某人,某物)的价值
- 
                                                
the trial has aged and diminished him .这场审讯使他衰老而且垮了。
 
- 
                                        
(
the law of )diminishing returns used to refer to a point at which the level of profits or benefits gained is less than the amount of money or energy invested 报酬递减(律) 
"late Middle English: blend of archaic 



