Minute Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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minute
[ˈmɪnɪt ]
Definitions
measurement of time
A minute is a unit of time equal to 60 seconds. It is commonly used to measure short durations or intervals.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| minute |
A unit of time equal to 60 seconds. Used to describe slightly longer intervals of time, often when discussing schedules or exact timing.
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| moment |
A short period of time, often used to express a specific point in time or a brief interval where something significant happens.
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| second |
The base unit of time in the International System of Units (SI), equal to one-sixtieth of a minute. Often used to describe very short intervals or the precise timing of events.
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| instant |
A very short amount of time, often used to describe something happening immediately without any delay.
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Examples of usage
- Wait a minute, I'll be right back.
- The meeting will start in five minutes.
- She arrived at the last minute before the show started.
small amount of time
A minute can also refer to a very short period of time, often used informally to indicate a brief moment.
Synonyms
brief moment, moment, short time.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| minute |
Typically denotes a unit of time equal to 60 seconds, often used in schedules or timetables.
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| moment |
Refers to an indeterminate but relatively short period of time; often used in a more spontaneous context.
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| brief moment |
Describes a very short period of time; can imply something fleeting or temporary.
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| short time |
General term used to describe a brief period, not precise; can be used in various situations.
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Examples of usage
- Just a minute, I need to finish this email.
- I'll be there in a minute, don't worry.
to pay attention to detail
To minute something means to pay careful attention to the details or specifics of a situation or task.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| minute |
Use when referring to the official written record of the proceedings of a meeting, capturing decisions, actions, and discussions.
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| document |
Appropriate when referring to an official paper or digital file that serves as evidence or provides information.
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Examples of usage
- She minuted every detail of the meeting for the record.
- The secretary minuted the decisions made during the conference.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In physics, a minute is often used as a unit of measure in time that helps scientists calculate motion and speed.
- It takes approximately 1.2 minutes for light from the Sun to reach Earth, which shows how vast space is.
- In biology, minute organisms, such as bacteria, can only be seen with a microscope, showcasing the diversity of life smaller than we can see.
Pop Culture
- The phrase 'give me a minute' is commonly used in movies and TV shows, often implying a person needs just a short break or time to think.
- In music, songs often have sections that are just a minute long, emphasizing short bursts of creativity or emotion.
- The popular fitness trend of 'one-minute workouts' highlights how much can be accomplished in a short, intense period.
Psychology
- Research shows that taking short breaks of just a minute can refresh our mental state and improve focus.
- Mindfulness practices often encourage focusing on the present moment for just a minute as a way to reduce stress.
- Short intervals of practice in skills, even one minute each, can lead to significant improvement over time.
Literature
- In poetry, a minute can represent fleeting moments, often highlighting the beauty found in short-lived experiences.
- Famous literary works often note the passage of time in minutes, evoking emotions tied to memories and change.
- Some authors use the concept of time measured in minutes to explore character development and tension within their narratives.
Origin of 'minute'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'minuta', meaning 'small' or 'diminutive'.
- In the 14th century, the term 'minute' was used to indicate a small part of something.
- It originally referred to small divisions of time in astronomy and music before it became widely used in everyday life.
The word 'minute' originated from the Latin word 'minuta', which means 'small' or 'minute' (as in a small part of an hour). The concept of dividing an hour into 60 minutes dates back to ancient times. In medieval Europe, mechanical clocks were developed that could measure minutes, further solidifying the use of the term. Over time, 'minute' has come to represent both a specific unit of time and a brief moment or small amount of time.