Microscopic: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used in scientific or medical contexts to describe objects or organisms that are so small they can only be seen with a microscope.

• The scientist used a powerful microscope to study the microscopic bacteria.
• Microscopic organisms play a crucial role in the ecosystem.

Commonly used in everyday language to describe something very small in size or amount.

• The mistakes on her test were minuscule, resulting in a nearly perfect score.
• Despite the minuscule budget, the project was a success.

Appropriate for casual conversations to describe anything small, from objects to amounts. It is a universally understood term.

• She has a tiny kitten that fits in the palm of her hand.
• The house had a tiny backyard, but it was beautifully landscaped.

Ideal for describing something extremely small, often used in mathematical or scientific discussions. This term is more formal and less common in everyday speech.

• The chances of winning the lottery are infinitesimal.
• Physicists often deal with infinitesimal quantities in their calculations.

Useful when describing something extremely small, often at a scale that requires a microscope to see. It can also imply extreme attention to small details, usually in a scientific or highly detailed examination.

• The scientist examined the microscopic organisms under the lens.
• Her attention to the microscopic details made the painting appear lifelike.

Appropriate when describing something that includes many small parts or facts, providing a comprehensive or intricate amount of information. Often used for reports, plans, descriptions, or crafts that require or display a lot of careful attention.

• The report provided a detailed analysis of the financial data.
• She gave a detailed account of her travels through Europe.

Best used to indicate exactness and accuracy. This word emphasizes correctness down to the smallest measurement or degree and is often used in scientific, technical, or mathematical contexts.

• The recipe requires precise measurements of each ingredient.
• The engineer's calculations were precise, ensuring the bridge's stability.

Ideal for situations requiring comprehensiveness and completeness. It suggests that all aspects of something have been considered or done by covering all the necessary details.

• The detective conducted a thorough investigation of the crime scene.
• She did a thorough cleaning of the entire house before the guests arrived.