Minimise synonym,synonyms of minimise
Reduce
- Similarity: Both "minimise" and "reduce" mean to make something smaller, less in amount, degree, or size. For example, "We need to minimise/reduce the waste in our production process." They are often used interchangeably when talking about decreasing the quantity or intensity of something.
- Usage difference: "Reduce" is a more general term and can be used in a wider variety of contexts. It can refer to any kind of decrease, whether it's a gradual or significant one. "Minimise" often implies reducing something to the smallest possible amount or degree. "Reduce" can also be used in the sense of simplifying or making something more manageable, while "minimise" is more focused on the reduction to a minimum. For instance, you can reduce the speed of a car, but you would try to minimise the risk of an accident.
Diminish
- Similarity: "Diminish" has a similar meaning to "minimise" in that it indicates a decrease or lessening. It can be used to describe the reduction in the size, importance, or intensity of something. For example, "The noise diminished/minimised as we moved further away."
- Usage difference: "Diminish" often implies a more gradual or continuous process of becoming smaller or less. It can also suggest a reduction in the value or significance of something. "Minimise" is more about the intentional act of making something as small as possible. "Diminish" is often used in a more passive or natural context, like when something naturally decreases over time, while "minimise" is more about taking action to cause the reduction. For instance, the light might diminish as the sun sets, but you would minimise the light in a room by turning off the lamps.
Decrease
- Similarity: "Decrease" is very close in meaning to "minimise" and "reduce". It means to make or become less in number, size, or amount. For example, "We want to decrease/minimise the cost of production." It is used when there is a clear reduction in a measurable quantity.
- Usage difference: "Decrease" is a more straightforward term and is often used in a quantitative context to refer to a specific reduction in a numerical value. "Minimise" has a stronger connotation of aiming for the lowest possible level. "Decrease" can be used to describe any degree of reduction, while "minimise" implies a more extreme or targeted reduction. For example, the temperature can decrease, but you might want to minimise the temperature in a freezer to keep food fresh.
Curtail
- Similarity: "Curtail" and "minimise" both involve reducing or cutting back on something. They are used when you want to limit or restrict the extent or duration of something. For example, "We need to curtail/minimise our spending this month."
- Usage difference: "Curtail" often implies a more sudden or drastic reduction, usually by cutting something short or restricting it. It is often used in the context of reducing activities, services, or freedoms. "Minimise" is more about achieving the lowest possible level in a more general sense. "Curtail" is more about taking immediate action to limit something, while "minimise" can involve a more gradual or strategic approach. For instance, you might curtail a project if there are budget issues, but you would minimise the impact of the budget cut on the project.
Trim
- Similarity: "Trim" has a similar meaning to "minimise" in the sense of making something smaller or more concise by removing excess parts. For example, "You need to trim/minimise the fat from the meat." It can also be used in a non-physical sense, like trimming costs or trimming a text.
- Usage difference: "Trim" often implies a more precise or careful removal of excess or unwanted parts to make something more efficient or neat. "Minimise" is more about the overall reduction to the minimum. "Trim" is often used in the context of making small adjustments or refinements, while "minimise" can involve more significant changes. For instance, you might trim the edges of a document to make it look better, but you would minimise the number of pages to save paper.