Minuscule: meaning, definitions and examples

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minuscule

[ˈmɪnɪˌskjuːl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

written text

extremely small; tiny

Synonyms

minute, small, tiny.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
minuscule	Used when emphasizing how extremely small something is, often in academic or technical contexts. The differences between the two samples are minuscule. He received a minuscule amount of funding for his research.
tiny	Used informally to refer to something extremely small, often in a more exaggerated or playful way. She held a tiny kitten in her hands. A tiny bug crawled across the desk.
small	Used in everyday language to describe something that is less in size, quantity, or extent. She lives in a small town. He gave me a small piece of cake.
minute	Applied when detailing something very small in size or amount, often with a sense of precision. There was a minute crack in the glass. The minute details of the mechanism were fascinating.

Examples of usage

The minuscule writing on the ancient manuscript was barely visible to the naked eye.
She found a minuscule bug crawling on her desk.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

typography

a small cursive script developed in the 7th century as a simplified form of the uncial, used in medieval manuscripts

Synonyms

cursive script, lowercase, small letters.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
minuscule	Used to describe something extremely tiny or very small in size. Often used in scientific or formal contexts. The contamination was minuscule and didn't pose any threat. His contribution was minuscule compared to others.
cursive script	Refers to a style of writing in which the letters are connected, typically used in handwriting. Students are learning cursive script in their writing class. Her beautiful cursive script is admired by everyone.
small letters	A colloquial way to refer to lowercase letters. Often used in casual conversation or when explaining writing to children. Write your spelling words in small letters. Small letters are easier for some people to write quickly.
lowercase	Describes letters in the alphabet that are not capitalized. Commonly used when talking about typing or writing rules. Type your username in lowercase letters. Names should start with an uppercase letter, not lowercase.

Examples of usage

The scribe meticulously copied the text in minuscule onto the parchment.
The book was written in minuscule, making it difficult to read for those unfamiliar with the script.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Originates from the Latin word 'minusculus,' which means 'rather small.'
The term evolved from the Medieval Latin 'minuscula,' referring to lowercase letters in scripts.
'Minuscule' was first recorded in English in the 19th century, primarily used in typography.

Science

In physics, minuscule measurements can refer to things at the nanoscale, like nanoparticles.
Microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, are often described as being minuscule in size, impacting ecosystems significantly.
Minuscule objects can have unique properties, such as superhydrophobic surfaces that repel water.

Art

Artists sometimes use minuscule details in paintings to convey deeper meanings or add complexity.
Miniature art is a genre that celebrates the beauty in very small artwork, often requiring a magnifying glass to appreciate fully.
The practice of creating minuscule sculptures, like microminiatures, showcases impressive precision and patience.

Psychology

Research suggests that perceiving very small changes in environment can significantly impact mood and behavior.
Minuscule details in daily interactions often go unnoticed but can affect relationships and social dynamics.
The 'minuscule effect' refers to how small, seemingly insignificant events can lead to significant personal transformations over time.

Translations

Translations of the word "minuscule" in other languages:

🇵🇹 minúsculo

🇮🇳 छोटा

🇩🇪 winzig

🇮🇩 kecil

🇺🇦 дрібний

🇵🇱 mały

🇯🇵 小さい (ちいさい)

🇫🇷 minuscule

🇪🇸 minúsculo

🇹🇷 küçük

🇰🇷 아주 작은

🇸🇦 صغير جدًا

🇨🇿 miniaturní

🇸🇰 maličký

🇨🇳 微小的 (wēixiǎo de)

🇸🇮 majhen

🇮🇸 smávaxin

🇰🇿 өте кішкентай

🇬🇪 პატარა

🇦🇿 çox kiçik

🇲🇽 minúsculo

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,158, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
24155 regrowth
24156 philanthropists
24157 satchel
24158 minuscule
24159 insupportable
24160 impost
24161 lopsided
...