{Decreasing series} (Math.), a series in which each term is
numerically smaller than the preceding term.
He must increase, but I must decrease. --John iii.
30.
Syn: To {Decrease}, {Diminish}.
Usage: Things usually decrease or fall off by degrees, and
from within, or through some cause which is
imperceptible; as, the flood decreases; the cold
decreases; their affection has decreased. Things
commonly diminish by an influence from without, or one
which is apparent; as, the army was diminished by
disease; his property is diminishing through
extravagance; their affection has diminished since
their separation their separation. The turn of
thought, however, is often such that these words may
be interchanged.
The olive leaf, which certainly them told The
flood decreased. --Drayton.
Crete's ample fields diminish to our eye; Before
the Boreal blasts the vessels fly. --Pope.