Minimal: meaning, definitions and examples

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minimal

[ˈmɪnɪməl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

design

of a minimum amount, quantity, or degree; minimalistic

Synonyms

basic, minimalistic, simple.

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. The room was decorated in a minimal style, with only a few pieces of furniture The project's requirements are minimal, so it should be easy to complete
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. Her wardrobe is very minimalistic, featuring only neutral colors and simple cuts The artist's minimalistic approach brings a sense of calm to his paintings
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). The instructions are simple, so you should have no trouble assembling the furniture His explanation was simple and easy to follow
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. Before you start cooking, you need to learn some basic techniques The phone has basic features, but it works well

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.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

amount

very small or slight in size, amount, or degree

Synonyms

negligible, slight, small.

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. The project was completed with minimal resources. There was minimal disruption during the renovation.
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. He lives in a small apartment. There was a small crack in the window.
slight	Describes something that is small in degree or amount but not significant. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts. She has a slight chance of winning the competition. I felt a slight discomfort in my back.
negligible	Refers to something so small or unimportant that it can be disregarded. Often used in academic, legal, or scientific contexts. The difference in cost is negligible. The impact on the environment was found to be negligible.

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.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

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. The room had a minimal design with just a bed and a desk. They made only minimal changes to the plan.
simplicity	Describes the quality or condition of being easy to understand or do. Often used positively to emphasize clarity or elegance. The simplicity of the design made it popular among users. He appreciated the simplicity of rural life.
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. She showed great restraint by not responding to the insult. Financial restraint is crucial during economic downturns.
austerity	Typically used in economics or lifestyle to describe strictness, restraint, or severe simplicity. Often has a somewhat negative or serious connotation. The government imposed austerity measures to reduce the national debt. She led a life of austerity, avoiding any form of luxury.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "minimal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mínimo

🇮🇳 न्यूनतम

🇩🇪 minimal

🇮🇩 minimal

🇺🇦 мінімальний

🇵🇱 minimalny

🇯🇵 最小限の

🇫🇷 minimal

🇪🇸 mínimo

🇹🇷 minimum

🇰🇷 최소한의

🇸🇦 أدنى

🇨🇿 minimální

🇸🇰 minimálny

🇨🇳 最小的

🇸🇮 minimalen

🇮🇸 lágmarks

🇰🇿 минималды

🇬🇪 მინიმალური

🇦🇿 minimal

🇲🇽 mínimo

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,543, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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