diminution

Everyday

(formal) A reduction in size, amount, importance or strength; getting smaller or less. tree →

In the lessons

A formal, exam-voice word meaning «decrease» or «drop». In science or geography reports: «a diminution in rainfall». In everyday talk people say «drop», «fall» or «decrease». Phrases: «a diminution in», «a diminution of», «without diminution».

Examples

• There was a diminution in the number of birds this spring. tree →
• (formal) The medicine caused a diminution of pain. tree →
• The storm passed with no diminution in the wind until the evening. tree →
• (formal) The report notes a gradual diminution of resources. tree →
• Old age brought a diminution of his strength. tree →

Note

Formal; use «decrease» or «drop» in normal writing. Related: «diminish» (verb), «diminutive». In maths, a diminution means taking away: a diminution of 20 from 100 leaves 80.

In Jewish tradition

In Sefer Yetzirah, the Ninth Path, an intelligence, keeps the numerations whole and unreduced.

Interpretation. Kabbalists read the ten numerations (sefirot) as a perfect unity that must never be broken or lessened, which is why the text says "without diminution or division."

Examples

• The Ninth Path is the Pure intelligence so called because it purifies the Numerations, it proves and corrects the designing of their representation, and disposes their unity with which they are combined without diminution or division. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1887) tree →

Note

Formal; use «decrease» or «drop» in normal writing. Related: «diminish» (verb), «diminutive». In maths, a diminution means taking away: a diminution of 20 from 100 leaves 80.