Formindske

Formindske is a Danish verb meaning to reduce, lessen, or decrease the amount, size, intensity, or scope of something. It is used in everyday speech as well as formal discourse, including policy, economics, science, and environmental contexts. The action can apply to numbers or costs, emissions or risks, and even time-related factors.

Etymology and grammar: The word is formed with the prefix for- attached to the base minske (to shrink or decrease). The infinitive is at formindske. Finite verb forms include formindsker in the present tense, formindskede in the past, and formindsket as a past participle in perfect constructions (e.g., har formindsket). The present participle is formindskende. The noun form is formindskelse, meaning a reduction or decrease.

Usage and nuance: Formindske implies a deliberate or achievable reduction, often in policy, business, or technical contexts. It commonly collocates with emissions, costs, risks, or quantities (for example, formindske CO2-udslippet, formindske omkostningerne, formindske risiko). While synonyms include reducere and mindske, formindske often conveys a sense of proactive action or targeted downscaling.

See also: formindskelse (the act or result of reducing), reducere (to reduce), mindske (to lessen with slightly different nuance), nedbringe (to bring down or lower). The term contrasts with its antonym væk bæres by terms like forøge or øge, meaning to increase.