minimal

[ˈmɪnɪməl]

minimal Definition

  • 1of a minimum amount, quantity, or degree; negligible
  • 2characterized by the use of simple or primary forms or structures, especially geometric or massive ones

Using minimal: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "minimal" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The company made only minimal profits this year.

  • Example

    The room was decorated with minimal furniture.

  • Example

    The artist's work is known for its minimal style.

minimal Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for minimal

Antonyms for minimal

Phrases with minimal

  • a pair of words that differ in only one sound, such as 'pin' and 'bin'

    Example

    Linguists use minimal pairs to study the phonology of a language.

  • an art movement in the 1960s characterized by the use of simple geometric shapes and monochromatic colors

    Example

    The minimalist artist Donald Judd is known for his sculptures made of industrial materials.

  • minimal techno

    a subgenre of techno music characterized by a stripped-down, repetitive sound

    Example

    The club played minimal techno all night long.

Origins of minimal

from Latin 'minimus', meaning 'least'

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Summary: minimal in Brief

Minimal [ˈmɪnɪməl] refers to something that is of a minimum amount, quantity, or degree, or characterized by the use of simple or primary forms or structures. Examples include 'The company made only minimal profits this year.' and 'The artist's work is known for its minimal style.' Minimal extends into phrases like 'minimal pair,' used in linguistics to study the phonology of a language, and 'minimal techno,' a subgenre of techno music characterized by a stripped-down, repetitive sound.

How do native speakers use this expression?