Spanish Conversation · Level 39
74 words
Spanish word
mermar
Pronunciation
IPA/meɾˈmaɾ/
Meaning
- verbdecrease
Example
La producción merma en invierno.
Production decreases in winter.
More examples
Con el tiempo, las reservas merman.
Over time, reserves decrease.
Core concept
Gradual loss of quantity or intensity.
Common phrases
mermar con el tiempo
decrease over time
mermar poco a poco
decrease little by little
Similar words
disminuir: Declines in size or extent.
bajar: Drops in level, height, or quantity.
Definition in Spanish
Disminuir la cantidad o intensidad de algo de forma gradual o progresiva.
Word origin
From the noun merma ('loss' or 'reduction'), itself from a Romance-word form for decrease, with the verb formed to mean undergoing or causing that reduction.
Usage tips
- Often used for supplies, profits, or strength to stress a gradual decline, while disminuir or bajar are more common in casual speech.