Question

minimize

Accepted Answer

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionarymin·i·mize \ˈmi-nə-ˌmīz\ transitive verb (-mized ; -miz·ing) DATE 18251. to reduce or keep to a minimum2. to underestimate intentionally : play down, soft-pedal minimizing losses in our own forces while maximizing those of the enemy• min·i·mi·za·tion \ˌmi-nə-mə-ˈzā-shən\ noun• min·i·miz·er \ˈmi-nə-ˌmī-zər\ nounEnglish Etymologyminimize 1802, first recorded in Bentham; see minimum + -ize.Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary-牛津双解-OALD7minimizemin·im·ize (BrE also -ise) / 5minimaiz / verb[VN] 1. to reduce sth, especially sth bad, to the lowest possible level 使减少到最低限度: Good hygiene helps to minimize the risk of infection. 保持清洁有助于最大限度地减少感染的危险。 OPP maximize 2. to try to make sth seem less important than it really is 降低；贬低；使显得不重要 SYN play down : He always tried to minimize his own faults, while exaggerating those of others. 他总是试图对自己的错误轻描淡写,对别人的错误夸大其词。 3. to make sth small, especially on a computer screen (尤指在计算机屏幕上)使最小化: Minimize any windows you have opened. 把你打开的所有窗口最小化。 OPP maximizeOLTminimize verb⇨ reduce (minimize the risk)⇨ understate (He always tried to minimize his own faults.)Webster's Third New International Dictionary, Unabridgedmin·i·mize\ˈminəˌmīz\ transitive verb(-ed/-ing/-s)Usage: see -izeEtymology: minimum + -ize1. : to reduce to the smallest possible number, degree, or extent < centuries of cultivation have minimized the distinctions between the various regions — Jacquetta & Christopher Hawkes > < new operating methods have helped to minimize delays — C.F.Craig >2. : to estimate in the least possible terms, number, or proportion; especially : depreciate 2 < the navy … was inclined to minimize its own losses — E.L.Jones > < will minimize and conceal the impact of this experience — New Republic > < inclined to minimize the dangers of her underwater research — Current Biography >Synonyms: see decry

Minimize To Reduce Verb Sth To Min·I·Mize Transitive