minutiae

A researcher examines the minutiae of a leaf under a magnifying glass.

Definition

1. Noun (plural; singular: ):
   • Small, precise, or trivial details: "minutiae" refers to the minor or insignificant aspects of a subject, often those that are highly specific or exact.
   • Finely detailed points: In formal or technical contexts, "minutiae" describes the tiny, often overlooked elements that contribute to the overall picture.

Usage Examples

• (Too many trivial details obscured the central point.)
• (She examined every small, precise detail.)
• (They discuss minor, exact aspects of historical events.)

Advanced Usage

• "to get lost in the minutiae": to become so focused on small details that one loses sight of the bigger picture.

  • During the project, he got lost in the minutiae and forgot the deadline. (He became absorbed in trivial elements.)

• "the minutiae of daily life": the small, routine activities that make up everyday existence.

  • She wrote a diary capturing the minutiae of daily life in a small village. (She recorded ordinary, precise details.)

Variants and Related Words

• Minutia (noun, singular): a single small or trivial detail.

  • Each minutia of the painting was carefully restored. (Every tiny aspect was attended to.)

• Minute (adjective, pronounced /maɪˈnjuːt/): extremely small or precise.

  • The instructions were minute in their detail. (They were very exact.)

Synonyms

• Details: individual features or pieces of information.
• Niceties: subtle or fine distinctions.
• Particulars: specific items of information.

Related Idioms

• The devil is in the details: a phrase emphasizing that small, seemingly unimportant elements can cause significant problems.

  • The plan seemed perfect, but the devil is in the minutiae. (The minor details could lead to failure.)

• Not to sweat the small stuff: an idiom advising against worrying about trivial matters.

  • He learned not to sweat the minutiae of everyday disagreements. (He stopped focusing on minor issues.)