Insignificant quantity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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insignificant quantity

[ˌɪnsɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt ˈkwɒntɪti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in measurement

A small or minimal amount of something that is not considered important or significant.

Synonyms

minimal quantity, negligible volume, small amount.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
insignificant quantity	This phrase is used to describe an amount so small that it does not matter or is not important. Often used in technical, scientific, or formal contexts. The test results showed an insignificant quantity of the substance in the sample. The council decided the environmental impact was due to an insignificant quantity of pollutants.
small amount	Used in casual or everyday language to indicate that there is not much of something. It is a general term and among the least formal. Can you please add a small amount of sugar to my tea? Despite his efforts, he saved only a small amount of money.
minimal quantity	Utilized when referring to the smallest possible amount that is still present or necessary. Commonly used in contexts where precision is important. Only a minimal quantity of salt is needed for the recipe. The device required a minimal quantity of power to operate efficiently.
negligible volume	Applied when discussing amounts that are so tiny that they can be ignored because they make no significant difference. This phrase is commonly used in scientific and business settings. The change in measurement was so small that it had a negligible volume in the overall analysis. Their contribution to the project was considered a negligible volume.

Examples of usage

The insignificant quantity of rain last month did not make a difference in the drought conditions.
She only needed an insignificant quantity of flour to finish baking the cake.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in comparison

A quantity that is so small that it is not worth considering or comparing.

Synonyms

insignificant amount, negligible quantity, trivial volume.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
insignificant quantity	Best suited for formal or technical contexts, such as scientific reports or statistical analysis, where a precise amount is not critical. The study found an insignificant quantity of pollutants in the water sample The experiment results showed an insignificant quantity of error
insignificant amount	Appropriate in formal contexts, particularly in discussions about finance, measurements, or conditions where the amount is not enough to make a difference. The increase in cost is an insignificant amount when considering the overall budget They donated an insignificant amount to the fund
trivial volume	Often used in technical or scientific discussions to denote a very small volume that does not affect the outcome significantly. It may also carry a slight negative connotation due to its dismissive tone. The chemical reaction produced a trivial volume of gas The leak was so tiny, it released a trivial volume of water
negligible quantity	Used in both formal and semi-formal contexts to emphasize that something is so small it can be ignored or is not worth considering. The variation in the data is of a negligible quantity The side effects of this drug are of a negligible quantity

Examples of usage

The difference in price was so minimal that it was an insignificant quantity compared to the overall cost.
His contribution to the project was an insignificant quantity when evaluating the team's efforts.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

In math, very small numbers can sometimes be called insignificant when solving large equations, as they have little impact on the overall result.
Concepts like limits in calculus show how values can approach insignificance as they get closer to zero.

Science

In physics, insignificant quantities can refer to measurements that fall below the threshold of detection by instruments.
In chemistry, the concept of 'negligible' concentration is often used to indicate that certain substances have such tiny amounts that they won’t affect reactions.

Economics

In economics, insignificant quantities may refer to minimal cost changes that don't influence market behavior significantly.
Microtransactions in gaming can be seen as insignificant quantities of money that don't impact a player's overall budget but can accumulate over time.

Psychology

Humans often overlook insignificant quantities in perception and decision-making, focusing instead on more substantial differences.
The ‘just noticeable difference’ in psychology helps quantify how much more of a substance (like sugar in a drink) is needed for a person to detect a change.

Literature

Writers often use insignificant quantities to highlight themes of hopelessness or overwhelming odds, like a lone voice in a crowd.
In poetry, insignificance can serve to contrast larger themes, showing how small details shape human experience.

Origin of 'insignificant quantity'

The term 'insignificant quantity' originates from the Latin word 'insignificans', meaning not important or not worthy of attention. Over time, it has been used in various fields such as mathematics, science, and everyday language to describe small or unimportant amounts. The concept of measuring and comparing quantities has been essential in human history for trade, science, and everyday life.