Minute: meaning, definitions and examples

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minute

 

[ ˈmɪnɪt ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

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

instant, moment, second

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.
Context #2 | Noun

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

Examples of usage

  • Just a minute, I need to finish this email.
  • I'll be there in a minute, don't worry.
Context #3 | Verb

to pay attention to detail

To minute something means to pay careful attention to the details or specifics of a situation or task.

Synonyms

document, note, record

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.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,553, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.