Final answer:
The word 'minimize' consists of the prefix 'mini-' and the base word 'mize'. The prefix 'mini-' means 'small' or 'lesser in amount or size'. Therefore, the probable meaning of the word 'minimize' is to make smaller or reduce something in amount or size.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word 'minimize' consists of the prefix 'mini-' and the base word 'mize'.
The prefix 'mini-' means 'small' or 'lesser in amount or size'.
Therefore, the probable meaning of the word 'minimize' is to make smaller or reduce something in amount or size.