minimal

/'miniml/

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Word: Minimal

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: The word "minimal" means the least amount or the smallest degree of something that is needed or required. It often refers to something that is very simple or basic, without extra features or details.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "minimal" when you want to describe something that has the least possible amount, whether it’s in quantity, effort, or complexity.
• It often appears in contexts like design, standards, costs, and effort.

Examples:

1. Her grades were minimal. (This means her grades were very low.)
2. The restaurant charges a minimal fee for reservations. (This means the fee is very small.)
3. He made minimal changes to the document. (This means he made very few changes.)

Advanced Usage:

• In design, "minimal" can refer to a style that emphasizes simplicity and the absence of clutter, often called "minimalist design."
• In discussions about standards, "minimal standards" refer to the lowest acceptable levels of quality or performance.

Word Variants:

• Minimum (noun): The smallest amount possible. Example: "The minimum age to vote is 18."
• Minimally (adverb): In a minimal manner. Example: "The project was minimally funded."

Different Meanings:

• "Minimal" can also refer to a lifestyle choice, such as minimalism, which focuses on living with less and valuing simplicity.

Synonyms:

• Least
• Smallest
• Tiny
• Slight
• Basic

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "minimal," but you might encounter phrases like "minimal impact," which means having a very small effect on something.

Summary:

"Minimal" is a useful word to describe things that are simple, basic, or the least necessary.

Academic

Adjective

1. the least possible
   • needed to enforce minimal standards
   • her grades were minimal
   • minimum wage
   • a minimal charge for the service

Synonyms

• minimum