Minute: meaning, definitions and examples
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minute
[ ˈmɪnɪt ]
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
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
Etymology
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.