Minimize
/ˈmɪnɪmaɪz/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo reduce to the smallest possible amount or degree; to make as small as possible.
/ˈmɪnɪmaɪz/
To reduce something to the smallest possible amount or degree.
The company is trying to minimize its expenses.
💡 Simply: Imagine your favorite snack is too big. To minimize it, you'd cut it into smaller pieces! Minimize means to make something smaller or less important.
👶 For kids: To make something as small as possible, like shrinking a toy car.
More Examples
You can minimize the risk by taking precautions.
The objective is to minimize the amount of effort required.
How It's Used
"Companies often try to minimize costs to increase profits."
"You can minimize the window to the taskbar."
"Scientists aim to minimize the environmental impact of their research."
To play down or trivialize; to make something seem less important than it is.
/ˈmɪnɪmaɪz/
To consider or represent something as less important than it is.
Don't minimize the importance of a good education.
💡 Simply: If your friend gets a small cut, they might minimize it by saying, "It's nothing!" This means they're trying to make it seem less important.
👶 For kids: To say something isn't a big deal, even if it is.
More Examples
He tried to minimize his role in the project's failure.
She tends to minimize the impact of her illness on others.
How It's Used
"She tends to minimize her accomplishments and focus on her failures."
"He tried to minimize the significance of the mistake."
"The government attempted to minimize the impact of the scandal."
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
minimize risk
To reduce the possibility of something negative happening.
"Companies should carefully evaluate the risk before making a decision to minimize risk."
minimize the impact
To reduce the negative consequences of something.
"The government is trying to minimize the impact of the economic downturn."
From Latin *minimus* (least) + -ize (a verb-forming suffix), influenced by the French *minimiser*. First appeared in English in the 17th century.
The word has been used since the 17th century, initially with the meaning related to making things smaller. Its use expanded with developments in mathematics and science.
Memory tip
Think of making something *mini* to *minimize* it.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: minimus