51³Ô¹Ï

Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for

minimum

[ min-uh-muhm ]

noun

plural minimums, minima
  1. the least quantity or amount possible, assignable, allowable, or the like.
  2. the lowest speed permitted on a highway.
  3. the lowest amount, value, or degree attained or recorded.
  4. an arbitrary amount set by a restaurant, nightclub, etc., as the least amount to be charged each person for food and drink. Compare cover charge.
  5. Mathematics.
    1. Also called relative minimum, the value of a function at a certain point in its domain, which is less than or equal to the values at all other points in the immediate vicinity of the point. Compare absolute minimum.
    2. the point in the domain at which a minimum occurs.


adjective

  1. noting or indicating a minimum.
  2. least possible:

    minimum risk.

  3. lowest:

    a minimum rate.

  4. pertaining to a minimum or minimums.

minimum

/ ˈ³¾Éª²Ôɪ³¾É™³¾ /

noun

  1. the least possible amount, degree, or quantity
  2. the least amount recorded, allowed, or reached

    the minimum in our temperature record this month was 50°

  3. modifier being the least possible, recorded, allowed, etc

    minimum age

  4. maths a value of a function that is less than any neighbouring value
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged†2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. of or relating to a minimum or minimums
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged†2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

minimum

/ ³¾Ä­²Ô′ə-³¾É™³¾ /

, Plural minimums

  1. The lowest known or lowest possible number, measure, quantity, or degree.
  2. The lowest value of a mathematical function, if it has such a value.
Discover More

51³Ô¹Ï History and Origins

Origin of minimum1

First recorded in 1655–65; from Latin, neuter of minimus “smallest, leastâ€; minor
Discover More

51³Ô¹Ï History and Origins

Origin of minimum1

C17: from Latin: smallest thing, from minimus least
Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

For example, much to the chagrin of many Democrats, the parliamentarian ruled during the Biden administration that raising the minimum wage and implementing certain immigration reforms did not qualify.

From

There is no minimum age for the X Games, however, which is by invitation.

From

In a Tuesday proposal, O’Leary said there should be a minimum theatrical window of 45 days, referring to the length of time between a movie’s theatrical release and its availability for home viewing.

From

"It's great that they've increased the minimum wage because people should be paid more, and food costs more," said Mr Kelly.

From

This is before the Progressive Era, and before the New Deal that made for government regulation of the economy and safe labor conditions, minimum wages and things like that; a recognition of unions.

From

Advertisement

Related 51³Ô¹Ïs

Discover More

More About Minimum

What doesÌýminimum mean?

Minimum means the lowest amount or level of something.

Minimum can be a noun or an adjective and it has several more specific meanings, all of which are related in some way to its primary meaning. When minimum is used as a noun, its plural can be minimums or, less commonly, minima.

Example: Take the pie out of the oven and let it cool for a minimum of 30 minutes before serving.

Where doesÌýminimum come from?

The first records of minimum come from the mid-1600s. It comes from the Latin word minimus, meaning “smallest†or “least.â€

In general, minimum often refers to the smallest possible amount of something that can satisfy a requirement, as in You need a minimum of 10 years of experience to apply for this position. It can also refer to the lowest amount that has been observed, and it is used in related ways in mathematics.

Minimum is also used in more specific ways. In terms of the speed limit, the minimum is the lowest speed that’s allowed on a certain road, especially a highway where going any slower would be dangerous. Some restaurants and clubs set a minimum on the money charged to each customer, meaning that you have to spend at least that amount. Similarly, many stores set a minimum amount you must spend in order to use a credit card. Minimum-wage workers earn the lowest amount that’s allowed by law or some other agreement.

Minimum is often used in the phrases bare minimum, meaning “the absolute least,†and at a minimum, meaning “at least,†as in At a minimum, we need to get five more done before the end of the day.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to minimum?

  • minimums (plural)
  • minima (plural)

What are some synonyms for minimum?

What are some words that share a root or word element with minimum?Ìý

What are some words that often get used in discussing minimum?

Ìý

How isÌýminimum used in real life?

Minimum is a common word that’s used in all kinds of ways. It always refers to the lowest amount, which can be negative or positive depending on the context.

Ìý

Ìý

Try usingÌýminimum!

Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of minimum?

A. most
B. lowest
C. least
D. smallest

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement