Mincing: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when you need to cut food, especially garlic or onions, into very small, fine pieces for a recipe.

• She spent several minutes mincing garlic for the spaghetti sauce.
• The recipe calls for minced onions.

A general term for cutting food into pieces. Usually refers to larger, rougher cuts and is often used in cooking for vegetables, fruits, and meats.

• Chop the carrots into bite-sized pieces.
• He quickly chopped the herbs for the salad.

Specific for cutting food into uniform small cubes, typically used in recipes that require even cooking or presentation, like in soups or salads.

• Dice the tomatoes for the salsa.
• The recipe requires two diced onions.

Used when tearing or cutting food into long, thin strips, often done with cheese, cabbage, or meat.

• Shred the lettuce for the tacos.
• She shredded the cheese for the pizza topping.

This word often describes a way of speaking or walking that is affectedly dainty or delicate. It may imply an air of artificiality or exaggerated refinement.

• She walked with a mincing step, clearly trying to impress the crowd.

This word is similar to 'prim' but has a slightly negative connotation, implying that someone is overly fussy or excessively proper in a way that can be annoying.

• He can be so prissy about table manners, correcting everyone for the slightest mistakes.

This word has a strong negative connotation and is used to describe someone who is overly concerned with modesty and decorum, especially regarding sexual matters. It often implies a degree of excessive or exaggerated propriety.

• She was called prudish because she was uncomfortable with the amount of skin shown in the movie.

Use this word to describe someone who is very proper and formal in their behavior, appearance, or manner. It often suggests a concern for decorum and propriety.

• Her prim outfit, complete with a modest blouse and knee-length skirt, stood out in the casual crowd.