diminution

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun change toward something smaller or lower
noun the statement of a theme in notes of lesser duration (usually half the length of the original)
noun the act of decreasing or reducing something

From Middle English diminucioun, from Anglo-Norman diminuciun, Old French diminucion, from Latin dīminūtiō.

My aversion from life knew no diminution. — Manon Lescaut, abbé Prévost
Only, her joy had undergone a certain diminution. — Les Misérables, Victor Hugo
Right here we suffered the first diminution of our princely state. — Roughing It, Mark Twain

decline

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