minimise
UK[ˈmɪn.ɪ.maɪz]US[ˈmɪn.ə.maɪz]
v
to reduce something to the smallest possible amount or degree.
v
to represent or estimate something at less than its true value or importance.
Morpheme Breakdown
minim
ise
minim
smallest
ise
verb-forming suffix
Etymology
the word 'minimise' is built upon the latin superlative adjective minimus, meaning 'smallest'. this root itself descends from the proto-indo-european root mei-, meaning 'small', which also gave rise to words like 'minor' and 'minus'. the suffix '-ise', entering english via french and ultimately from greek, is a productive verb-forming element meaning 'to make or become'. therefore, the literal construction 'to make smallest' logically evolved into the modern abstract meanings of reducing something to its least possible amount or significance.
Analysis
Structure: minim (smallest) + ise (verb-forming suffix)
- minim: from latin minimus, meaning 'smallest, least'. functions as the core root conveying the core meaning of smallness.
- ise: a verb-forming suffix, from greek -izein via latin -izare and french -iser. it indicates the action of making or causing.
Examples
we need to minimise the risk of accidents in the workplace.
he tends to minimise his own achievements when talking to others.
the software update aims to minimise battery consumption.