mince

[mins]

mince Definition

  • 1to cut food, especially meat, into very small pieces, often using a special machine called a mincer
  • 2to walk with short, quick steps in a way that looks unnatural and silly
  • 3to soften one's words for the sake of politeness or to avoid hurting someone's feelings

Using mince: Examples

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

  • Example

    She minced the garlic before adding it to the sauce.

  • Example

    The beef should be minced before being added to the soup.

  • Example

    He was mincing along the street in his high heels.

  • Example

    She minced her words when she told him he was fired.

  • Example

    He didn't mince his words when he told her what he thought of her behavior.

mince Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for mince

Phrases with mince

  • to speak indirectly or euphemistically, especially to avoid speaking honestly or bluntly

    Example

    Don't mince words with me. Just tell me what you really think.

  • a traditional British Christmas pastry filled with a mixture of dried fruits and spices

    Example

    We always have mince pies for dessert on Christmas Day.

  • to walk in a way that is affected or exaggerated, often to show off or draw attention to oneself

    Example

    He was mincing around the dance floor, trying to impress everyone with his moves.

Origins of mince

from Middle English 'mincen', from Old French 'mincier', meaning 'to chop finely'

📌

Summary: mince in Brief

The verb 'mince' [mins] means to cut food into small pieces, walk with short, affected steps, or soften one's words for politeness. It can refer to chopping meat or vegetables, as in 'She minced the garlic before adding it to the sauce,' or walking in an exaggerated manner, as in 'He was mincing along the street in his high heels.' The phrase 'mince words' denotes indirect or euphemistic speech, while 'mince pies' are a traditional British Christmas pastry.