Minute: meaning, definitions and examples
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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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 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.
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.
Translations
Translations of the word "minute" in other languages:
🇵🇹 minuto
🇮🇳 मिनट
🇩🇪 Minute
🇮🇩 menit
🇺🇦 хвилина
🇵🇱 minuta
🇯🇵 分 (ふん)
🇫🇷 minute
🇪🇸 minuto
🇹🇷 dakika
🇰🇷 분 (bun)
🇸🇦 دقيقة
🇨🇿 minuta
🇸🇰 minúta
🇨🇳 分钟 (fēnzhōng)
🇸🇮 minuta
🇮🇸 mínúta
🇰🇿 минут
🇬🇪 წუთი
🇦🇿 dəqiqə
🇲🇽 minuto