Minor: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when describing something small in importance or not severe. Often used in contexts like minor injuries or minor mistakes.

• He suffered a minor cut on his finger
• The changes to the plan are minor

Used when something is not important or lacks impact. It emphasizes the lack of importance.

• The error in the document was insignificant and did not affect the outcome
• His contribution to the project was insignificant

Used when something is very simple, unimportant, or not worth much consideration. It often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying that it is almost too small to bother with.

• The quiz was trivial and didn't challenge the students
• Complaining about such trivial matters won't solve the problem

Used when something is so small or unimportant that it can be disregarded. Often used in scientific, mathematical, or formal contexts.

• The difference in results was negligible, so we didn't consider it
• The risk of side effects from the medication is negligible

Used to describe physical size or quantity, but also can refer to importance. Very general term.

• She has a small garden in her backyard
• The issue is small and can be fixed easily

This term is often used in legal contexts to refer to someone who is not yet an adult, typically under the age of 18. It conveys a neutral tone and is appropriate in formal documents or conversations involving laws and regulations.

• The club has a strict policy that prohibits the entry of minors.
• Parents are responsible for their minor children’s behavior.

This term is commonly used to refer to someone who is below the legal age for engaging in certain activities like voting, drinking, or driving. It often implies restriction and is prevalent in warnings or rules.

• He was caught trying to buy alcohol while underage.
• The movie is not suitable for underage viewers.

This term is broader and can refer to young people collectively, often focusing on those experiencing early stages of adulthood. It is generally used in a positive or neutral context related to vitality, potential, and community.

• The program aims to engage the local youth in sports and arts.
• Youth is a time for exploration and learning.

This term is primarily used in medical, educational, or psychological contexts to describe individuals going through puberty, typically aged between 12 and 18. It focuses on the developmental stage of an individual and is often used by professionals in related fields.

• Adolescents need proper guidance and support during their teenage years.
• The study focuses on the nutritional needs of adolescents.

In music theory, 'minor' refers to a type of scale or chord that generally has a sadder, more melancholic sound compared to major ones.

• The composer wrote the piece in a minor key to reflect the somber mood of the scene.
• She prefers playing songs in minor scales because they sound more emotional.

Use 'minor key' when talking about music that is composed in a minor scale. This term accentuates the tonal structure and mood of the piece.

• The symphony's first movement is set in a minor key, giving it an intense and dramatic feel.
• Many folk songs are written in minor keys to evoke a sense of nostalgia and yearning.

Use 'minor scale' to discuss the specific sequence of pitches in music that defines the minor tonality.

• Piano students are often required to practice both major and minor scales.
• The guitarist warmed up by playing a minor scale up and down the fretboard.