Minimalize

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To reduce something to its least possible level or amount, ensuring that only the essential components remain
2. to practice the act of making something as small, simple, or insignificant as possible
3. to actively decrease the size, importance, or impact of a concept or object to its bare minimum

Etymology: "Minimalize" is formed from "minimal" plus the suffix "-ize," which turns an adjective into a verb meaning "to make or cause to be" the adjective's quality. "Minimal" itself comes from Latin "minimus," the superlative of "parvus" ("small"), so the verb means, literally, to make something as small as possible. The suffix "-ize" entered English through Greek "-izein," and it has been used for centuries to coin verbs such as "modernize" and "computerize." The "-ize" spelling is the one Americans and many writers use, while British English more often prefers "-ise," so "minimalise" is the usual British form. Both spellings describe the same act of shrinking something to its least possible size or importance.

Synonyms: reduce, diminish, lessen

Antonyms: maximize, increase