3. PART A: What does the word "diminish" most likely
mean as used in line 6?

3.PART A: What does the word “diminish” most likely mean as used in line 6?

A.to end

B.to belittle

C.to lessen

D.to sadden

A. To end

Explanation:

Adapted from "No Man Is An Island" by John Donne

Modern Version

No man is an island entire of itself; every man

is a piece of the continent, a part of the main;

if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe

is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as

well as any manner of thy friends or of thine

own were; any man's death diminishes me,

because I am involved in mankind.

And therefore never send to know for whom

the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.

The word “diminish” most likely means 'To end' as used in line 6.

John Donne had written this poem based on end of life because he was approaching death due to a fatal illness.

A). To end.

Explanation:

'No Man Is An Island' authored by John Donne is one of his acknowledged short poem deals with the theme of 'human beings' existence together inherently(to live and grow). He says only death has the potential a human from the other but even after that the love and affection of loved ones unites one human to another.'

In the given adaptation from the poem, the word 'diminish' in line 6('own were; any man's death diminishes me') gives the meaning 'to end.' Donne acknowledges the coherent existence of humankind and says that 'every human's existence affects another.' Thus, the poet says 'any man's death bring me to an end('affects me').' Hence, option A is the correct answer.