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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
minus

Used in math or to describe a reduction or disadvantage. Common in both formal and informal settings.

  • If you have 10 apples and you give away 3, you have 10 minus 3 apples.
  • One minus point of this plan is the cost.
subtract

Mainly used in mathematical situations, especially in educational contexts.

  • To solve the problem, subtract 4 from 10.
  • The teacher taught the students how to subtract numbers.
take away

Used informally to describe removing something from a total or situation. Common in everyday language.

  • If you take away 5 from 15, what do you get?
  • The waiter will take away your empty plates.
deduct

Often used in formal or financial contexts to mean taking an amount away from a total, such as taxes or expenses.

  • He will deduct the expenses from his income before calculating the tax.
  • The company will deduct the payment from your next salary.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
minus

Used when talking about simple numerical reductions or deficits, typically in casual or mathematical conversations.

  • The temperature dropped to minus ten degrees last night.
  • We have a minus in the balance sheet due to the recent purchase.
disadvantage

Formal context where you need to identify an unfavorable condition or circumstance, often in academic, professional, or detailed discussions.

  • A disadvantage of renewable energy is the high initial cost.
  • Living in a rural area can have its disadvantages, such as limited access to healthcare.
drawback

Used when acknowledging a problem or less desirable feature in an otherwise positive situation. Slightly formal.

  • The main drawback of this plan is its high cost.
  • One drawback of this smartphone is its short battery life.
con

Commonly used in discussions about pros and cons to highlight the negative side or aspect of a particular situation or choice. Informal use.

  • One of the cons of working from home is the lack of social interaction.
  • Let's weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
minus

Used in mathematical contexts or to indicate something that is lacking or absent.

  • Five minus three equals two.
  • He completed the project minus the final report.
negative

Commonly used to describe something harmful, pessimistic, or a value below zero.

  • Her feedback was mostly negative.
  • The temperature dropped to negative five degrees.
unfavorable

Used to describe conditions or situations that are not good, convenient, or suitable.

  • The weather conditions were unfavorable for hiking.
  • He received unfavorable reviews for his new movie.
unwelcomed

Describes someone or something that is not wanted or received poorly, often carrying a negative connotation.

  • She felt unwelcomed at the party.
  • The new policy changes were unwelcomed by the employees.

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.