diminuer
To make or become less in size, amount, intensity, or degree. It is the opposite of 'augmenter' and essential for describing negative trends.
Examples
3 of 5La pluie commence à diminuer.
The rain is starting to decrease.
L'entreprise cherche à diminuer ses coûts opérationnels.
The company is looking to decrease its operational costs.
Diminue un peu la télé, c'est trop fort.
Turn the TV down a bit, it's too loud.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of English 'diminish'.
Quick Quiz
Il faut ____ le sucre dans ton café pour ta santé.
Correct!
The correct answer is: diminuer
Examples
La pluie commence à diminuer.
everydayThe rain is starting to decrease.
L'entreprise cherche à diminuer ses coûts opérationnels.
businessThe company is looking to decrease its operational costs.
Diminue un peu la télé, c'est trop fort.
informalTurn the TV down a bit, it's too loud.
Le taux de chômage a diminué de 2% ce trimestre.
academicThe unemployment rate decreased by 2% this quarter.
Veuillez diminuer la vitesse dans cette zone.
formalPlease decrease your speed in this area.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
en diminuant
by decreasing
faire diminuer
to make something decrease
ne pas diminuer
to not slacken
Often Confused With
They are very similar, but 'réduire' often implies an intentional action to limit something.
Usage Notes
Like 'augmenter', it uses 'de' to specify the amount of decrease.
Common Mistakes
Using 'descendre' when you should use 'diminuer' for statistics.
Memory Tip
Think of English 'diminish'.
Word Origin
From Latin 'diminuere', meaning to break into small pieces.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
Il faut ____ le sucre dans ton café pour ta santé.
Correct!
The correct answer is: diminuer
Related Phrases
More statistics words
augmenter
B1To make something greater in size, amount, or degree. It is a fundamental verb used in academic contexts to describe rising trends in graphs or data.
croissance
B1The process of increasing in size, number, or importance. In academic and business contexts, it usually refers to economic or population growth.
environ
B1Used to indicate that a number or amount is approximate. Crucial for describing data in IELTS Task 1 when exact figures aren't necessary.
graphique
B1A visual representation of data, such as a bar chart, line graph, or pie chart. The primary focus of IELTS Writing Task 1.
résultat
B1A consequence, effect, or outcome of something. In academics, it refers to the findings of an experiment or the score of an exam.
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