minimize
Reduce something to the smallest possible amount or degree
Examples
In a meeting
“We need to minimize disruptions during the system upgrade.”
Over coffee
“I'm trying to minimize my screen time before bed.”
Why this word
reduce
minimize means to make as small as possible, while reduce simply means to make smaller without implying the minimum
decrease
minimize emphasizes bringing to the smallest possible amount, while decrease just means to make less
lessen
minimize implies reducing to minimum levels, while lessen is vaguer about the degree of reduction
Usage tip
Use when focusing on reduction, particularly to avoid negative impacts
Etymology
Latin: minimus (smallest)
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Related words
streamline
To make a process or system more efficient by simplifying or eliminating unnecessary steps.
eliminate
To completely remove or get rid of something.
simplify
To make something easier to understand or do
dilute
To make weaker by adding something or spreading too thin
centralize
To bring together or concentrate control in one location or authority
batch
To group similar tasks together to handle them all at once