verminderd

Verminderd is a Dutch adjective and the past participle of the verb verminderen, meaning reduced or diminished. It describes something that has been lessened in amount, degree, intensity, or value. The term appears in everyday language as well as in technical or formal contexts.

In general usage, verminderde refers to something that has become smaller or weaker. For example, you might speak of a verminderde kans (a reduced risk), verminderde opbrengst (lower yield), or verminderde prestaties (reduced performance). In predicative constructions, the form verminderd is used: de kans is verminderd, the yield has been reduced. Attributive use commonly employs verminderde to modify a noun: een verminderde balans, verminderde capaciteit, etc.

In music theory, verminderde describes diminished quality. The Dutch terms for diminished intervals and chords include verminderde kwint (diminished fifth), verminderde septiem (diminished seventh), and verminderde akkoorden (diminished chords). These are formed by lowering the pitch of a perfect or minor interval by a semitone, yielding a characteristic tense and unstable sound. The concept corresponds to the English “diminished” and is contrasted with verhoogd (augmented) or zuiver/majeur (perfect or major) intervals and chords.

Related concepts include vermindering (reduction or decrease) and the broader notion of vergrote or afgenomen in contexts of growth or quantity. Verminderd is therefore a versatile term used across disciplines to indicate that something has been reduced from its previous level.

See also: vermindering, verminderd immediatas, verhoogd.