diminution

Plural: diminutions

Noun

• change toward something smaller or lower
• the statement of a theme in notes of lesser duration (usually half the length of the original)
• the act of decreasing or reducing something
• A lessening, decrease or reduction.
• The act or process of making diminutive.
• a compositional technique where the composer shortens the melody by shortening its note values.

Examples

• The new emission standards have produced a measurable diminution in air pollution.

Synonyms

decline, decrease, reduction, step-down, abatement, declension, decrement, diminishment, diminution, lessening, shrinking

Antonyms

augmentation, increase

Related Words

diminish, diminished, diminuendo