Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

minimum

/ˈmɪnəməm/

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.69 in modern English

Syllables: min-i-mum
IPA: /ˈmɪnəməm/

13

Scrabble Score

7

Letters

3

Syllables

4

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

The lowest limit.

noun

The smallest amount.

noun

A period of minimum brightness or energy intensity (of a star).

noun

A lower bound of a set which is also an element of that set.

noun

The smallest member of a batch or sample or the lower bound of a probability distribution.

adj

To the lowest degree.

Example Sentences

"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"
"Realism might be the hardest aesthetic to do well. The performances have to be genuinely moving and the setting vividly evoked; bonkers twists must be kept to a minimum."
"The Maunder minimum of the Sun reportedly corresponded to a period of great cold on Earth."

Etymology

Etymology tree Latin minimus Proto-Indo-European *-om Proto-Italic *-om Latin -um Latin minimumlbor. English minimum Learned borrowing from Latin minimum, neuter form of minimus (“least, smallest”).

Word Breakdown

Root: *mey- (small)

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /ˈmɪnəməm/
British English: /ˈmɪnɪməm/

Inflected Forms

minima (plural) minimums (plural)

Derived Forms

maximin minac minarchism minarchy minheap minimax minimumweight nonminimum subminimum

Phrases

alternative minimum tax at a minimum at minimum at the minimum bare minimum Monday minimum connecting time minimum contacts minimum cut

Frequently Paired Words

minimal minimize minimise

Synonyms

minimal lower limit

Antonyms

maximum

Questions

How do you pronounce minimum?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˈmɪnəməm/.
What does minimum mean?: The lowest limit.
Where does minimum come from?: Etymology tree Latin minimus Proto-Indo-European *-om Proto-Italic *-om Latin -um Latin minimumlbor. English minimum Learned borrowing from Latin minimum, neuter form of minimus (“least, smallest”).

How to pronounce minimum

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “minimum”.
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