minimize

verb

SayMIN-i-myzUS/ˈmɪn.ɪˌmaɪz/UK/ˈmɪn.ɪ.maɪz/AUS/ˈmɪn.ɪˌmɑɪz/

Formsminimizes, minimizing, minimized

UK spellingminimise

4 meanings of minimize

1
reduceverbtransitive
To make something as small as you can.
Like squeezing the air out of a bag so it takes up less room.
We packed light to minimize the weight of our bags.
She minimizes waste by reusing jars and bags at home.
Similarreduce, lessen, decrease, cut, limit
Oppositemaximize, increase
Note
2
downplayverbtransitive
To make something seem less important than it really is.
Like calling a big problem "no big deal."
He tried to minimize his mistake by saying everyone forgets things sometimes.
The coach minimized the team's problems when he talked to reporters.
Similardownplay, understate, trivialize, belittle, underestimate
Oppositeexaggerate, overstate, emphasize, magnify
Note
3
hide windowverbtransitive
To shrink a window on a computer screen down to a small button.
Like folding a big map down to pocket size so you can open it again later.
Minimize the video window so you can see your homework behind it.
She minimized the chat window when her boss walked over to her desk.
Oppositemaximize, restore
Note
4
put downverbtransitive
To treat a person as if they do not matter.
He minimized her at the meeting by talking over everything she said.
Good teachers never minimize students who ask simple questions.
Similarbelittle, dismiss, underrate, disparage, slight
Oppositerespect, value
Note

Practice

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Origin

From the Latin word "minimus" plus "-ize."