minimise
Meaning: To reduce something to the smallest possible amount, degree, or extent. Also, to represent something as less important or significant than it actually is.
Minimise has two distinct senses that can cause confusion. The practical sense (minimise risk, minimise costs) is neutral and common in professional writing. The psychological sense (minimise someone's concerns, minimise the damage) can be pejorative, implying deliberate downplaying or dismissiveness. In risk management and safety contexts, 'minimise' is a key term: minimise exposure, minimise harm. It pairs naturally with 'maximise' in analytical writing.
Examples
- The company took immediate steps to minimise the environmental impact of the chemical spill. 该公司立即采取措施,将化学品泄漏的环境影响降至最低。La empresa tomó medidas inmediatas para minimizar el impacto medioambiental del vertido químico.同社は化学物質の流出による環境への影響を最小限に抑えるため、直ちに対策を講じた。회사는 화학 물질 유출로 인한 환경 영향을 최소화하기 위해 즉각적인 조치를 취했다.
- Opposition MPs accused the health secretary of attempting to minimise the scale of the waiting list crisis. 反对党议员指责卫生大臣试图淡化候诊名单危机的严重程度。Los diputados de la oposición acusaron al secretario de Sanidad de intentar minimizar la magnitud de la crisis de las listas de espera.野党議員は、保健大臣が待機リスト危機の規模を矮小化しようとしていると非難した。야당 의원들은 보건장관이 대기자 명단 위기의 규모를 축소하려 한다고 비난했다.
- Good project management requires the ability to minimise risk without stifling innovation. 良好的项目管理需要在不扼杀创新的前提下将风险降到最低。Una buena gestión de proyectos requiere la capacidad de minimizar el riesgo sin ahogar la innovación.優れたプロジェクト管理には、イノベーションを阻害することなくリスクを最小化する能力が求められる。훌륭한 프로젝트 관리는 혁신을 저해하지 않으면서 리스크를 최소화하는 능력을 필요로 한다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: professional, academic, journalism
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin minimus (smallest), superlative of minor (less). The English verb was formed in the early 19th century, mirroring the formation of 'maximise.' The British -ise spelling reflects French influence.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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