Minimum Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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minimum
[ˈmɪnɪməm ]
Definitions
mathematics
The smallest value in a set of numbers or quantities.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| minimum |
Used when referring to the smallest or least amount possible in a specific set of parameters or conditions.
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| smallest |
Referring to the smallest in size or amount among a group of items or entities. Often used for physical objects or quantities.
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| lowest |
Usually used when comparing different levels, degrees, or quantities, indicating the one that is the smallest or at the bottom.
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| least |
Used to indicate the smallest amount or degree, often in comparison to others. It can have a general, non-specific usage.
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Examples of usage
- What is the minimum number of participants required?
- The minimum amount of sugar needed for the recipe is 1 cup.
general
Smallest or lowest possible in amount, degree, or size.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| minimum |
This word is usually used in formal or official contexts to indicate the least amount or degree required or allowed.
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| minimal |
This word is more often used to describe the smallest possible amount or degree, usually in a context where more would be expected. It often has a neutral or positive connotation.
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| smallest |
Generally used to refer to something that is the least in size among a group. Often used in everyday contexts and when comparing physical sizes.
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| lowest |
Used when comparing multiple items or levels, referring to the one at the bottom or least in terms of quantity, degree, or rank.
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Examples of usage
- We offer a minimum of 10% discount on all products.
- The minimum age to enter the club is 18 years.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In physics, minimum energy refers to the lowest amount of energy needed for a process to occur.
- Minimum viable products are used in technology to ensure a project can launch with just the essential features.
- In ecology, minimum viable populations are the smallest groups of a species that can survive and reproduce.
Economics
- Minimum wage laws ensure that workers earn a basic amount for their labor.
- It is often debated as to what constitutes a livable minimum wage in different regions.
- Minimum pricing can be used to protect certain industries from fluctuating market prices.
Education
- In educational settings, minimum requirements often determine what is needed to pass a course or gain admission.
- Standardized tests typically set minimum scores for students to qualify for scholarships.
- Minimum competencies in literacy and numeracy are used to assess student readiness.
Pop Culture
- The phrase 'minimum effort' is often used humorously in memes to describe laziness in funny, relatable ways.
- In movies, characters often have minimum survival gear when stranded, creating tension in plots.
- Reality shows sometimes challenge contestants to work within minimum budgets, leading to creative solutions.
Origin of 'minimum'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin word 'minimum,' which means 'least' or 'smallest.'
- It has been used in English since the early 19th century to describe the least quantity or level.
- In mathematics, it denotes the lowest value in a set of numbers.
The word 'minimum' originated in the early 18th century from Latin 'minimus', meaning 'least'. It has been used in various contexts, especially in mathematics, to denote the smallest value or quantity. Over time, 'minimum' has become a common term in everyday language to describe the smallest or lowest possible amount, degree, or size.