mini-, minor-, minut-, minu-, min-

1. Gradually reducing in force or loudness; antonym of crescendo.
2. In music, a gradual reduction of force or loudness; gradually decreasing in volume.
2. A diminuendo passage. Symbol: >.

1. A lessening, decreasing, or reduction of something, or the result of such a reduction.
2. The act, fact, or process of diminishing; lessening; reduction: "His uncle was experiencing a diminution of his wealth."
3. The repetition of a musical phrase, using notes that are of a shorter duration than in the original phrase.

1. A word that is formed with a suffix; such as -let, -ette, or -kin, to indicate smallness; such as, a radio with a diminutive set of speakers.
2. A word or name that indicates a small size, youth, familiarity, or fondness; for example, "kitchenette", "duckling", or "booklet"; suggesting that it is appealing or lovable in some way.
3. A person or thing that is very small or much smaller than is usual.
4. A form of a word used to express smallness; such as, "ringlet" is the diminutive of "ring".

In a diminutive manner or in a manner to lessen; such as, to speak diminutively of another person.

A collector of bric-a-brac miniatures.

That man is least in want who desires least.

From Publilius Syrus, Sententiae (c.43 B.C.).

To administer, execute, or manage inefficiently or badly.

One who has the least possible faith in something.