Minuting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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minuting

[ˈmɪnɪtɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

recording meetings

Minuting refers to the process of noting down the proceedings, decisions, and action items during a meeting. This practice is crucial for maintaining an official and accessible record of discussions. Accurate minuting allows participants to recall what was discussed and to track progress on decisions made. The minutes serve as a reference for future meetings and facilitate accountability among attendees.

Synonyms

documenting, noting, recording.

Examples of usage

  • She is responsible for minuting the board meeting.
  • Minuting helps ensure everyone is on the same page.
  • The secretary spent the afternoon minuting yesterday's discussion.
  • They always review the previous minuted meeting before starting a new one.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Business Practices

  • Effective minuting can improve accountability in meetings by providing clear records of who said what and decisions made.
  • Different organizations may have different styles for minuting; some are very detailed while others are just a summary.
  • Minutes are often distributed shortly after the meeting to ensure participants have an accurate record of discussions and actions.

Cultural Importance

  • In many cultures, minuting is seen as a vital part of formal communication, emphasizing transparency and collaboration.
  • Some organizations celebrate excellent minuting as a skill in managing meetings, which can enhance team effectiveness.
  • Movies and shows sometimes humorously depict minuting when characters forget to take notes, leading to confusion later.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that written records can enhance memory retention, helping people remember discussions better.
  • The act of writing during a meeting helps keep participants engaged and attentive, fostering better decision-making.
  • Minuting can also serve to clarify thoughts; the writer must distill complex discussions into clear points, aiding comprehension.

Legal Aspects

  • In many legal jurisdictions, having well-documented minutes can be essential for compliance and accountability.
  • Minutes can serve as legal documents that can be referred to in case of disputes or misunderstandings.
  • Organizations often have policies regarding how minutes should be taken and stored to ensure proper legal standards.

Origin of 'minuting'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'minute' comes from the Latin word 'minuta', meaning small or little, reflecting the small details being recorded.
  • In medieval times, the word referred to small notes or records, evolving into the formal meeting minutes we know today.
  • This practice became common in the 18th century as formal meetings grew in importance in government and organizations.

The term 'minuting' derives from the practice of writing 'minutes' or abbreviated notes of discussions that occur during formal meetings. The word 'minute' itself comes from the Latin 'minuta scriptura,' meaning 'small writing.' This term evolved in the English language as meetings became more formalized, especially in business and government settings. The act of minuting began to gain prominence in the 18th century as organizations recognized the importance of documenting decisions and discussions for transparency and historical record. Over time, minuting became an essential function of administrative staff, leading to the development of various techniques and templates to facilitate effective note-taking during meetings.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,989, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.