Definition

Adverb: - To a minimal degree; in the smallest or least possible amount or manner. This describes an action done with the smallest necessary amount of something, or to the lowest possible extent.

Usage

Use "minimally" to modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb to indicate that something is done or exists to the smallest possible degree. It is the opposite of "maximally."

Examples

• The doctor recommended a minimally invasive surgery to reduce recovery time.
• The software is minimally functional; it needs many more features to be useful.
• She was minimally involved in the project, only attending the initial meeting.
• The room was minimally furnished with just a bed and a desk.

Advanced Usage

• "Minimally acceptable": Barely meeting the lowest standard required.
  • His performance was deemed minimally acceptable, so he kept his job.
• "Minimally conscious state" (Medical term): A condition of severely altered consciousness with minimal behavioral evidence of self or environmental awareness.
  • After the accident, the patient remained in a minimally conscious state.

Variants and Related Words

• Minimal (adjective): Of a minimum amount, quantity, or degree; negligible.
  • We made minimal changes to the original design.
• Minimum (noun): The least or smallest amount or quantity possible, attainable, or required.
  • You must meet the minimum requirements to apply.
• Minimize (verb): To reduce something to the smallest possible amount or degree.
  • We need to minimize the risk of error.

Synonyms

• Barely
• Hardly
• Scarcely
• Just
• Only just

Antonyms

• Maximally
• Fully
• Extensively
• Abundantly
• Greatly

Adverb

1. to a minimal degree
   • the cells minimally responsive to lines in this orientation will not fire