minimize

/ˈmɪnɪmaɪz/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈmɪnɪmaɪz/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈmi-nə-ˌmīz/ (ame, mw)

minimize — verb

  • minimizepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • minimizeshe / she / it
  • minimizedpast simple
  • minimizing-ing form

1. to make something as small or low as possible, especially something that costs m

1.動詞及物B1
釋義

to make something as small or low as possible, especially something that costs money, creates problems, or causes harm.

例句

Chiara installed solar panels to minimize her electricity bills.

minimize + costs (electricity bills / expenses)

The hospital team took extra steps to minimize the risk of infection.

minimize + risk [of something]

同義詞
  • reduce

    more general; does not imply reaching the lowest possible level

  • cut

    informal, often used for costs or spending

  • curb

    suggests controlling or limiting something rather than reducing it to nothing

反義詞
  • maximize

    to make as large or high as possible

文法句型

minimize + noun phrase

用法筆記

Often used with nouns describing negative outcomes (risk, damage, disruption, cost) or scarce resources (time, energy, waste).

常見錯誤

❌We need to minimize the size of the room.
✅We need to reduce the size of the room.
💡'minimize' means to make as small as possible, not just smaller; 'reduce' is better for partial changes.

2. to describe or treat something as less serious, important, or harmful than it ac

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to describe or treat something as less serious, important, or harmful than it actually is, often on purpose.

例句

Amira spoke slowly but did not minimize the seriousness of the situation.

minimize + the seriousness of [something]

Ziad felt the company report minimized the problems faced by factory workers.

minimize + problems / difficulties / challenges

同義詞
  • play down

    phrasal verb, slightly informal; same meaning

  • understate

    more neutral; may imply accidental rather than intentional downplaying

  • belittle

    stronger, more negative; suggests treating someone or something as worthless

反義詞
  • exaggerate

    to describe something as larger, more important, or more serious than it really is

文法句型

minimize + noun phrase (problem, importance, role)

用法筆記

Frequently carries a critical tone — the speaker believes the situation is more serious than how it is being presented. Common in news, politics, and workplace discussions.

常見錯誤

❌He minimized the size of the company's offices.' (if meaning physically smaller)
✅He reduced the size of the company's offices.
💡'minimize' in this sense is about perceived importance, not physical dimensions.

3. to turn an open window or program into a small icon on the taskbar, hiding its c

3.動詞及物B1
釋義

to turn an open window or program into a small icon on the taskbar, hiding its contents until it is restored.

例句

Nila clicked the minus button to minimize the browser window.

minimize + window (browser window / application window)

Eri minimized all open windows before restarting her slow computer.

同義詞
  • hide

    general term; 'minimize' is the specific computing action

反義詞
  • maximize

    to expand a window to fill the screen

  • restore

    to return a minimized window to its previous size

文法句型

minimize + window / program / app

用法筆記

The opposite action is 'maximize' or 'restore'. On most operating systems, the minimize button is represented by a dash (—) at the top-right corner of a window.

常見錯誤

❌I minimized the document by closing it completely.
✅I minimized the document by clicking the dash button.
💡closing removes the document; minimizing keeps it running but hides the window.