Diminution
[,dɪmɪ'njuːʃ(ə)n] or ['dɪmə'nʊʃən]
Definition
(noun.) the statement of a theme in notes of lesser duration (usually half the length of the original).
Checked by Clifton--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) The act of diminishing, or of making or becoming less; state of being diminished; reduction in size, quantity, or degree; -- opposed to augmentation or increase.
(n.) The act of lessening dignity or consideration, or the state of being deprived of dignity; a lowering in estimation; degradation; abasement.
(n.) Omission, inaccuracy, or defect in a record.
(n.) In counterpoint, the imitation of, or reply to, a subject, in notes of half the length or value of those the subject itself.
Checked by Bertrand
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. Decrease, lessening, decrement, reduction, abatement.
Typist: Trevor
Definition
n. a lessening: degradation.—adj. Dimin′utive of a diminished size: small: contracted.—n. (gram.) a word formed from another to express a little one of the kind.—adv. Dimin′utively.—n. Dimin′utiveness.
Typed by Leona
Examples
- But the money which, by this annual diminution of produce, is annually thrown out of domestic circulation, will not be allowed to lie idle. Adam Smith. An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations.
- It was a melancholy reflection; and in spite of the diminution of evil produced, it struck on the heart as a wretched mockery. Mary Shelley. The Last Man.
- If the shell hits anything, then that further destruction has to be added to the diminution of consumable goods. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- When the diminution of revenue is the effect of the diminution of consumption, there can be but one remedy, and that is the lowering of the tax. Adam Smith. An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations.
- The element yields spontaneously radium emanation without any apparent diminution of its own mass. Walter Libby. An Introduction to the History of Science.
- No art or trade could be founded on it; no diminution of daily work or increase of daily comfort could be secured with it. Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
- The first of these causes is no doubt necessarily connected with the diminution of the value of the precious metals; but the second is not. Adam Smith. An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations.
- Thirdly, This very circumstance of the diminution of sympathy by the separation of relations is worthy of our attention. David Hume. A Treatise of Human Nature.
- By this diminution I destroy the future prospect, which is necessary to interest me perfectly in the fortune of another. David Hume. A Treatise of Human Nature.
- But there will be no diminution of adventure or romance in this world of the days to come. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- Doubtless the leaves of the Cumaean Sibyl have suffered distortion and diminution of interest and excellence in my hands. Mary Shelley. The Last Man.
- The landlord gains both ways; by the increase of the produce, and by the diminution of the labour which must be maintained out of it. Adam Smith. An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations.
- T ry a concave glass with the sun's rays to see whether a diminution of heat results. Walter Libby. An Introduction to the History of Science.
- Their first subject was the diminution of the Rosings party. Jane Austen. Pride and Prejudice.
- As they descend they also experience a gradual diminution from the action of the sun and rain, and from the heat of the earth. Various. The Wonder Book of Knowledge.
Edited by Horace