French Conversation · Level 56
75 words
French word
diminution
Pronunciation
IPA/diminysjɔ̃/
Meaning
- feminine noundecrease
Example
La diminution des prix a aidé les familles.
The decrease in prices helped families.
More examples
On remarque une diminution du bruit le soir.
We notice a reduction in noise in the evening.
Core concept
A quantity or intensity moving down to a smaller level.
Common phrases
une diminution du bruit
a reduction in noise
une diminution de la consommation d'énergie
a reduction in energy consumption
une diminution des effectifs
a reduction in staff
Similar words
baisse: A decline in a price or temperature from its earlier level.
réduction: A decrease achieved by making an amount or fee smaller.
Definition in French
La diminution désigne le fait ou le résultat par lequel quelque chose devient moins important en quantité ou en intensité.
Word origin
French diminution comes from Latin diminutio, formed from de- meaning downward and minuere meaning to make smaller, through Old French.
Usage tips
- Diminution is feminine and commonly takes de for what becomes smaller, as in diminution des prix, meaning a reduction in prices.
Other meanings
- reductionnoun
- declinenoun
Opposites
- augmentationincreasenoun
- accroissementgrowthnoun
Related words
- diminuerreduceverb
- diminuéreducedadjective