Question

read the dictionary entry for diminish.
diminish \diminish\\ v

1. to belittle 2. to become less
2. to taper 4. to lessen certain intervals in music

which definition most closely matches the meaning of diminished as used in paragraph 5?
a definition 1
b definition 3
c definition 2
d definition 4

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each definition:

• Definition 1 (to belittle): Involves demeaning someone/something, not about quantity/degree reduction.
• Definition 2 (to become less): Focuses on a decrease in amount, degree, or size. In most contexts (like a paragraph about a subject’s change), “diminished” often means “became less.”
• Definition 3 (to taper): Implies a gradual narrowing (e.g., a shape tapering), not a general “lessening.”
• Definition 4 (music term): Specific to musical intervals, unlikely in a non - music - related paragraph.

Answer:

C. Definition 2