Overview

Episode Title: Diminution
Podcast: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
Date: August 28, 2025
Host/Voice: Peter Sokolowski (for Merriam-Webster)

Today’s episode focuses on the word "diminution." Listeners are introduced to its pronunciation, meaning, usage in context, and etymological background. The segment provides both a contemporary example and historical insight, making this a concise yet rich exploration of the word.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Definition and Pronunciation

• Word: Diminution (also pronounced diminution)
• Spelling: D-I-M-I-N-U-T-I-O-N
• Part of speech: Noun
• Definition: The act or process of becoming less.
• Note: It's described as a formal word suitable for writing or high-register speech.
  • (00:42)

2. Usage in Context

• Contemporary Example:

  • A passage from the New Yorker illustrates how "diminution" might be used:

    “A sense of abasement hovers over the performer of the Super Bowl halftime show. It is slight, but it is there. The gig, a live gig, is essentially done for free. It ends, the performer is spirited away, and the multi-million dollar commercials and multi-million dollar game resume. It’s popular music as the doula to football. The next morning, everyone makes big talk about history and legend-making. The feeling of diminution lingers.”
    — (00:55–01:35)

• Interpretation: This contextualizes "diminution" as a subtle lessening of prestige or significance, even after a high-profile event.

3. Etymology and Historical Usage

• Chaucer’s Use:

  • In his late 14th-century poem Troilus and Cressida, Chaucer contrasted the verb "increase" with "makin diminution."
  • (01:37)

• Origins:

  • Language Pathway: Anglo-French → Latin “deminuere” (to diminish)
  • The Latin root is also the ancestor for the English verb "diminish."
  • "Diminish" entered English in the 15th century; the related noun "diminishment" appeared in the 16th century.
  • (01:41–01:55)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the feeling of loss:

  “The feeling of diminution lingers.”
  — New Yorker excerpt, (01:34)

• Host closing:

  “With your word of the day, I’m Peter Sokolowski.”
  — (01:58)

Important Timestamps

• 00:42 — Introduction of the word “diminution,” its pronunciation, and definition
• 00:55–01:35 — Contemporary example from the New Yorker and the nuanced context of the word
• 01:37–01:55 — Explanation of the word’s origins and Chaucer’s historical use
• 01:58 — Host wraps up the episode

Summary Table

| Timestamp | Segment | Speaker | Details | |-----------|-------------------------------------------|------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:42 | Word intro, spelling, definition | Peter Sokolowski | Introduces “diminution” as a noun meaning the act of becoming less | | 00:55 | Usage in context (New Yorker quote) | Peter Sokolowski | Describes the subtle loss experienced by performers at the Super Bowl show | | 01:37 | Etymology and historical roots | Peter Sokolowski | Covers Chaucer's use and the Latin/French origins. | | 01:58 | Closing | Peter Sokolowski | Concludes with “With your word of the day, I’m Peter Sokolowski.” |

Tone

The tone is educational, clear, and slightly formal—perfectly suited for a daily vocabulary lesson, with concise delivery and relevant examples.