minimum Meaning & Definition
What Does Minimum Mean?
As a noun, minimum means the least quantity assignable, admissible, or possible. It can also mean the least of a set of numbers.
Minimum in Brief
| Part of speech | noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈmi-nə-məm/ |
| Syllables | 3 |
| Synonyms | negligible, nominal and marginal |
| Antonyms | maximum, maximal and upper limit |
| Plural | mimimums |
| First known use | 1646 |
Minimum Definition (Noun)
- the least quantity assignable, admissible, or possible
Keep expenses to a bare minimum. / He was sentenced to a minimum of 10 years in prison.
- the least of a set of numbers
- the smallest value assumed by a continuous see continuous function defined on a closed see closed:1 interval
- the lowest degree or amount of variation (as of temperature) reached or recorded
- the lowest speed allowed on a highway
Synonyms of Minimum
Antonyms of Minimum
Minimum in a Sentence
We prefer candidates with a minimum of 4 years experience in the field.
We need a minimum of three staff members on duty at all times.
He always tries to get away with doing the minimum.
Please keep noise to a minimum after 11 o'clock
The Maunder minimum of the Sun reportedly corresponded to a period of great cold on Earth.
We need a minimum of three staff members on duty at all time.
Keep expenses to a bare minimum.
He was sentenced to a minimum of 10 years in prison.
spent the minimum amount necessary to acquire the property
Keep expenses to a bare minimum. / He was sentenced to a minimum of 10 years in prison.
Word Forms & Grammar
min·i·ma
min·i·mums
minimum adjective
minima
minimum
minimums
minimum (plural mimimums or minima)
minimum (not comparable)
Words That Rhyme With Minimum
Origin of Minimum
Origin 1: Latin, neuter of minimus smallest; akin to Latin minor smaller minor
Origin 2: Learned borrowing from Latin minimum, neuter form of minimus (“least, smallest”).
First Known Use
1646
Minimum Pronunciation
The standard pronunciation of minimum is /ˈmi-nə-məm/, spoken in 3 syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable (mi).
Minimum: Your Questions Answered
What part of speech is minimum?
Minimum is a noun.
What is another word for minimum?
Close synonyms of minimum are negligible, nominal and marginal. See the full list of minimum synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of minimum?
Antonyms of minimum include maximum, maximal, upper limit and biggest.
What is the plural of minimum?
The plural of minimum is mimimums.