Minus: meaning, definitions and examples

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minus

 

[ ˈmaɪnəs ]

Noun / Adjective
Context #1 | Noun

mathematics

The operation of subtraction, used to find the difference between two numbers.

Synonyms

deduct, subtract, take away

Examples of usage

  • 5 minus 3 equals 2
  • She calculated the result by using the minus sign.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A negative aspect or characteristic.

Synonyms

con, disadvantage, drawback

Examples of usage

  • The downside of the plan was seen as a minus by the team.
  • His lack of experience was viewed as a minus during the interview.
Context #3 | Adjective

informal

Unwelcome or undesirable.

Synonyms

negative, unfavorable, unwelcomed

Examples of usage

  • His minus attitude brought down the mood of the group.
  • The minus feedback was not well received by the team.

Translations

Translations of the word "minus" in other languages:

🇵🇹 menos

🇮🇳 माइनस (गणितीय)

🇩🇪 Minus

🇮🇩 minus

🇺🇦 мінус

🇵🇱 minus

🇯🇵 マイナス (数値的)

🇫🇷 moins

🇪🇸 menos

🇹🇷 eksi

🇰🇷 마이너스

🇸🇦 ناقص

🇨🇿 mínus

🇸🇰 mínus

🇨🇳 减 (jiǎn)

🇸🇮 minus

🇮🇸 mínus

🇰🇿 минус

🇬🇪 მინუსი

🇦🇿 minus

🇲🇽 menos

Etymology

The word 'minus' originated from Latin 'minus', meaning 'less'. In mathematics, the term has been used since the 15th century to denote the operation of subtraction. Over time, 'minus' has also come to be used informally to indicate negative aspects or characteristics. The word has evolved to represent the concept of reduction, negativity, or disadvantage in various contexts.

See also: minuscule.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,627 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.