Minimal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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minimal
[ˈmɪnɪməl ]
Definitions
design
of a minimum amount, quantity, or degree; minimalistic
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| minimal |
Used when referring to the smallest possible amount or degree of something. Often used in design, art, and fashion to indicate simplicity and lack of excess.
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| minimalistic |
Used to describe a style or approach that is very simple and does not have a lot of unnecessary features. Often used in design and art to denote elegant simplicity.
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| simple |
Used to describe something that is easy to understand, not complicated, or plain. It can be both positive (indicating ease and clarity) and negative (suggesting lack of sophistication).
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| basic |
Used when referring to the fundamental or essential aspects of something. Can sometimes have a negative connotation when implying something is unsophisticated or lacking innovation.
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Examples of usage
- The design of the house was minimal, with clean lines and neutral colors.
- She preferred a minimal approach to interior decoration, with only essential furniture pieces.
amount
very small or slight in size, amount, or degree
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| minimal |
Used when describing something that is barely enough or the least amount possible. Often used in technical or formal settings.
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| small |
General term used to describe something of little size, amount, or degree. Can be used in a wide range of contexts, from everyday conversation to formal writing.
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| slight |
Describes something that is small in degree or amount but not significant. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
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| negligible |
Refers to something so small or unimportant that it can be disregarded. Often used in academic, legal, or scientific contexts.
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Examples of usage
- She gave a minimal response to the question, indicating her lack of interest.
- The impact of the new policy on the budget was minimal, barely noticeable.
art
a style or technique that is characterized by extreme simplicity and a deliberate lack of decoration
Synonyms
austerity, restraint, simplicity.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| minimal |
Use when describing something that is the smallest amount or degree, often in design or effort.
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| simplicity |
Describes the quality or condition of being easy to understand or do. Often used positively to emphasize clarity or elegance.
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| restraint |
Refers to holding back, limiting, or controlling something. Can be used in physical, emotional, or behavioral contexts. Sometimes carries a slightly negative or restrictive connotation.
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| austerity |
Typically used in economics or lifestyle to describe strictness, restraint, or severe simplicity. Often has a somewhat negative or serious connotation.
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Examples of usage
- Minimalism in art focuses on the use of simple forms and colors to convey a powerful message.
- The artist embraced minimalism in her work, stripping away all unnecessary elements.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Art and Design
- Minimalism in art strips away excess, focusing on basic forms and colors, emphasizing the idea of 'less is more.'
- Famous minimal artists include Donald Judd and Agnes Martin, who created works using repetitions and simple shapes.
- The minimalist design philosophy promotes functionality, where every element serves a purpose.
Lifestyle
- Adopting a minimalist lifestyle means reducing clutter in your home and life, allowing for more space and tranquility.
- Minimalist individuals often prefer quality over quantity, choosing fewer possessions that are more meaningful.
- The movement has gained popularity in modern culture, encouraging people to live with less to focus on what truly matters.
Psychology
- Research shows that a minimalist environment can lead to reduced stress and improved focus.
- A simplified lifestyle can enhance creativity as it removes distractions, making way for new ideas.
- Psychologists suggest that embracing minimalism can create a sense of freedom, as it pushes against consumer culture.
Technology
- Minimalist web design focuses on easy navigation and user experience, removing unnecessary elements.
- Many tech devices are designed with minimalism in mind, emphasizing sleek lines and simple interfaces.
- The shift towards minimalism in software design aims to create more intuitive and efficient user experiences.
Origin of 'minimal'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Latin word 'minimus,' meaning 'least' or 'smallest.'
- It was first used in English in the 1960s to describe art and design that focuses on simplicity.
- The concept has roots in various languages, often conveying a sense of smallness or simplicity.
The word 'minimal' originated in the mid 17th century from the Latin word 'minimalis', meaning 'the smallest'. It has been used in various contexts over the centuries, evolving to represent concepts of simplicity, restraint, and efficiency. In modern usage, 'minimal' is often associated with contemporary design, art, and lifestyle trends that prioritize clean lines, minimal decoration, and essential elements.