Minimum Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈmɪnɪməm/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun, Adjective

Definition

The smallest amount or degree of something required or permitted; the least possible amount or degree. (Noun) Barely sufficient or satisfactory; minimal. (Adjective)

Examples

• The minimum wage in the country is $15 per hour.
• The hotel room was minimum, but clean and comfortable.

Synonyms

• Least
• Smallest
• Lowest

Antonyms

• Maximum
• Largest
• Highest

Additional Information

The concept of minimum is widely used in various fields, including mathematics, physics, and economics. In mathematics, the minimum of a function is the lowest value it can take. In physics, the minimum energy required to perform a task is a fundamental concept. In economics, the minimum wage is a crucial factor in determining the standard of living of workers. The term is also used in everyday language to describe the smallest or least amount of something required or permitted.

The term “minimum” has a significant impact on decision-making in various fields. For instance, in engineering, the minimum requirements for a project’s feasibility are crucial in determining whether to proceed with the project. In business, the minimum break-even point is essential in determining the viability of a business venture. In education, the minimum passing grade is critical in determining a student’s academic success.

The term “minimum” can also be used in a more abstract sense to describe the smallest or least amount of something required or permitted. For example, the minimum amount of love required to sustain a relationship or the minimum amount of respect required to maintain social harmony.

Etimology

The word “minimum” comes from the Latin “minimus,” meaning “smallest” or “least.” The Latin word is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root “*men-,” which means “small” or “thin.”

Usage Notes

The term “minimum” is often used in combination with other words to convey a specific meaning. For example, “minimum wage,” “minimum requirements,” and “minimum standards.” In some cases, the term is used as a synonym for “least” or “smallest.”

In informal contexts, the term “minimum” is often used to describe the smallest or least amount of something required or permitted. For example, “I’ll give you the minimum information required to complete the task.” In formal contexts, the term is often used in technical or specialized language to describe precise minimum requirements or standards.

Cultural References

The term “minimum” has appeared in various cultural contexts, including literature, music, and film. For example, the song “Minimum” by the band Foo Fighters features lyrics that reference the concept of minimum.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Minimum requirements
• Minimum wage
• Minimum standards

Related Words or Phrases

• Maximum
• Optimum
• Least
• Smallest

Collocations

• Minimum wage
• Minimum requirements
• Minimum standards
• Minimum age

Frequency of Use

The term “minimum” is widely used in modern language, particularly in technical and specialized contexts. According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, the term is used approximately 0.45% of the time in written English.

Common Misspellings

• Minumum
• Minimun
• Minumum