| 释义 |
minimize, v.|ˈmɪnɪmaɪz|
[f. L. minimus (see minim) + -ize.]
1. trans.
a. To reduce to the smallest possible amount, extent, or degree.
b. To estimate at the smallest possible amount.
1802Bentham Princ. Judic. Procedure Wks. 1843 II. 8 The adjective branch..may be said to have two specific ends: the one positive, maximizing the execution and effect given to the substantive branch: the other negative, minimizing the evil [etc.]. 1825― Offic. Apt. Maximized, Observ. Peel's Sp. (1830) 27 You may maximize attendance, and you may minimize it. 1882J. H. Blunt Ref. Ch. Eng. II. 413 The vestments of the clergy were to be minimized. 1884Chr. World 28 Aug. 649/5 Let no one think..Jesus ever minimised the exceeding sinfulness of sin. 1888Bryce Amer. Commw. II. xlii. 124 Other causes were at work to mitigate and minimise their evils.
2. intr. To take the most moderate view possible of what is implied by an accepted dogma.
1875,1898[see maximize v. 2].
3. intr. To attain a minimum value.
1973Physics Bull. Dec. 725/3 One of the unexpected discoveries made using hvem is that for a particular incident electron energy the diffracted intensity may minimize rather than maximize. 1975Ibid. Jan. 13 Other parameters used to measure the intensity of the solar cycle tend to minimize at this time.
Hence ˈminimized ppl. a.; ˈminimizing vbl. n. and ppl. a.
1868J. H. Blunt Ref. Ch. Eng. I. 90 Comparing the original design for Christ Church with its minimized execution. 1874J. H. Newman Cert. Diffic. Anglic. (1876) 332 That principle of minimizing so necessary..for a wise and cautious theology. 1875Gladstone Vaticanism 51 Dr. Newman and the minimising divines. 1878― Glean. (1879) I. 112 We are now..witnessing the expansion of the minimised demands of the Conference. 1906Athenæum 3 Mar. 264/1 We cannot support his minimizing of Froude's inaccuracy.
Add:[1.] c. To play down; to belittle or dismiss.
1890in Cent. Dict., Minimize,..to depreciate, treat slightingly. a1909W. C. Brownell in Webster s.v., The literary importance of Steele and Goldsmith is exaggerated, and that of Sterne minimized, in accordance with the personal predilections and antipathy of the critic. 1910Encycl. Brit. I. 512/1 Albo set the example of minimizing Messianism in the formulation of Jewish beliefs. 1928Punch 24 Oct. 466/1, I am not minimising the difficulty of Porlock, where the bus may conk out and be hauled up ignominiously by ropes. 1949‘G. A. Birmingham’ Laura's Bishop xxv. 171 To call this, when it comes, a world war is to minimize its importance. It will be worse than a world war. 1991J. Wiltshire Samuel Johnson in Med. World vii. 240 Boswell plays down the despair and anxiety we glimpse in the prayers, and has of necessity to minimise his hero's physical and psychological maladies. |