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 the definitions:

• Definition 1 ("to belittle") relates to insulting, not quantity/degree.
• Definition 2 ("to become less") matches "diminished" (past of diminish) meaning a reduction in amount/degree.
• Definition 3 ("to taper") implies a gradual shape change, not general "lessening."
• Definition 4 is specific to music, unlikely in a general paragraph.

Answer:

C. Definition 2