DictionaryAI

minimise

verb
SayMIN-i-myzUK/ˈmɪn.ɪ.maɪz/US/ˈmɪn.ɪˌmaɪz/

Formsminimises, minimising, minimised

US spellingminimize · also used in the UK

3 meanings of minimise

Practice

  1. 1
    reduceverbtransitive
    To make something smaller, or as small as you can.

    Wash your hands often to minimise the risk of getting ill.

    We minimised waste by buying only the food we needed.

    UsageOften used with risk, waste or damage: bad things you want to make as small as you can.

    Similarreduce, lessen, limit, cut, curtail

    Oppositemaximise, increase

    Note
  2. 2
    play downverbtransitive
    To make someone or something seem less important or serious than they really are.

    Don't minimise your own part in the team's success.

    He minimised the problem, saying it was only a small leak.

    UsageOften used to blame someone: accused of minimising means said to make a problem sound smaller.

    Similardownplay, understate, belittle, trivialise

    Oppositeexaggerate, overstate, emphasise, magnify

    Note
  3. 3
    computer windowverbtransitive
    To make a window on a computer screen go small, so it shows only as a small icon or label.

    I minimised my email so I could read the report.

    Minimise the chat window and it will flash when a new message arrives.

    UsageMinimise hides a window but keeps it open; close shuts it.

    Oppositemaximise

    Note

Practice

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Origin

It comes from the Latin word minimus, with the ending -ise added.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts