diminution : Dictionary / Wörterbuch (BEOLINGUS, TU Chemnitz)

English Dictionary: diminution	by the DICT Development Group
2 results for diminution
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
diminution n change toward something smaller or lower [syn: decline, diminution] the statement of a theme in notes of lesser duration (usually half the length of the original) Antonym(s): augmentation the act of decreasing or reducing something Synonym(s): decrease, diminution, reduction, step-down Antonym(s): increase, step-up
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Diminution \Dim`inu"tion\, n. [L. diminutio, or perh. rather deminutio: cf. F. diminution. See {Diminish}.] 1. The act of diminishing, or of making or becoming less; state of being diminished; reduction in size, quantity, or degree; -- opposed to {augmentation} or {increase}. 2. The act of lessening dignity or consideration, or the state of being deprived of dignity; a lowering in estimation; degradation; abasement. The world's opinion or diminution* of me. --Eikon Basilike. Nor thinks it diminution to be ranked In military honor next. --Philips.