minute
noun (countable)
UK/ˈmɪn.ɪt/US/ˈmɪn.ɪt/
Detailed written records of the proceedings of a meeting.
Example Sentences
The minutes of the meeting were distributed to all members.
Please review the minutes and provide your feedback.
She is responsible for taking the minutes during the sessions.
The minutes accurately reflect the discussions held.
They referred to the previous minutes to track progress.
The committee approved the minutes without any changes.
He submitted the minutes to the board for approval.
The minutes include all the decisions made during the meeting.
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Synonyms
adjective
UK/maɪˈnjuːt/US/maɪˈnuːt/
Extremely small or tiny.
Example Sentences
She noticed a minute crack in the vase.
The insect was so minute that it was barely visible.
They discovered minute details in the artwork upon closer inspection.
A minute amount of salt can enhance the flavor of the dish.
The scientist observed minute changes in the experiment.
He picked up a minute piece of paper from the floor.
The fabric had minute threads that were hard to see.
They addressed even the most minute aspects of the project.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
verb (transitive)
UK/ˈmɪn.ɪt/US/ˈmɪn.ɪt/
To record the minutes of a meeting.
Example Sentences
She will minute the meeting to ensure all discussions are recorded.
He was asked to minute the proceedings during the conference.
They hired a secretary to minute their board meetings.
Please minute the key points of our conversation.
He forgot to minute the important decisions made.
They reviewed the minutes after the meeting was concluded.
She efficiently minutes all the sessions without missing any details.
The committee member volunteered to minute the upcoming meeting.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A unit of time equal to sixty seconds.The word 'minute' is used primarily as a noun to denote a unit of time that is equal to sixty seconds or one-sixtieth of an hour. For example, 'The meeting will start in five minutes' indicates a short duration before the event begins. Additionally, 'minute' can function as an adjective meaning extremely small or precise, as in 'a minute detail,' which highlights the smallness or exactness of the detail being referred to. When using 'minute' in a sentence, it is important to ensure that the context makes clear whether it is being used as a noun or an adjective. For instance, 'He waited for a minute' uses 'minute' as a noun, while 'She has minute control over the process' uses it as an adjective. Proper usage of 'minute' enhances clarity in communication by accurately conveying the intended measure of time or the precision and smallness of an object or detail.
Alternatives
Alternatives to 'minute' when referring to time include 'sixty seconds' or 'one-sixtieth of an hour.' In contexts where 'minute' is used as an adjective meaning very small, alternatives include 'tiny,' 'small,' 'minuscule,' 'microscopic,' or 'petite.' Choosing the right alternative depends on the context and the degree of smallness or precision you wish to convey. For example, 'a minute amount' can be replaced with 'a tiny amount' or 'a minuscule amount' based on the desired emphasis. Similarly, when discussing time, 'a brief moment' or 'a short period' might be used instead of 'a minute.' Understanding these alternatives allows for more varied and precise expression in both written and spoken language, helping to convey your message effectively and appropriately according to the context.
Writing
When writing, the word 'minute' serves two primary functions: as a noun representing time and as an adjective indicating smallness or precision. To effectively incorporate 'minute' into your writing, be clear about its intended meaning based on the context. As a time unit, use 'minute' to specify exact durations, such as 'The task will take approximately ten minutes,' which provides a precise timeframe for the reader. As an adjective, 'minute' can add depth to descriptions by highlighting intricate details or subtle nuances, for example, 'She noticed the minute differences in color,' which emphasizes the small but significant variations. Additionally, varying your language by using synonyms can enhance your writing; for instance, instead of repeatedly using 'minute,' you might alternate with 'tiny' or 'precise' when appropriate. Ensuring that 'minute' is used correctly will improve the clarity and effectiveness of your writing, making your descriptions more vivid and your time references more exact. Proper usage also helps in maintaining the reader’s engagement by providing clear and specific information.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversations, 'minute' is commonly used either to refer to a short amount of time or to describe something very small or detailed. For instance, you might say, 'I'll be there in five minutes,' to indicate you'll arrive shortly. Alternatively, you could use 'minute' to describe something intricate, such as, 'She has a minute understanding of the topic,' highlighting a very detailed or precise comprehension. Using 'minute' in casual dialogue can help convey exact timing or emphasize the smallness of an object or detail without sounding overly formal. It's a versatile word that fits smoothly into various contexts, whether you're discussing schedules, planning events, or describing objects and situations that require attention to detail. Incorporating 'minute' into your daily speech can make your conversations more specific and expressive, allowing you to communicate your thoughts and intentions clearly and effectively. Whether you're talking about how long it will take to meet a friend or describing a tiny feature of something, 'minute' adds precision and clarity to your casual interactions.
Etymology
'Minute' originates from the Latin word 'minuta,' which means 'small' or 'detailed,' derived from 'minus,' meaning 'less.' The word entered the English language in the 14th century, initially used as an adjective to describe something small or precise. Over time, 'minute' expanded to include its noun form, representing a unit of time, which originated from the medieval practice of dividing an hour into sixty minutes, reflecting the division of the hour into smaller, manageable parts. The dual usage of 'minute' as both a time measurement and a descriptor of size or detail showcases its linguistic versatility. Interestingly, the word has maintained a consistent core meaning related to smallness or precision throughout its history. Its evolution reflects broader changes in language, where words often develop additional meanings based on practical needs, such as measuring time more accurately. Today, 'minute' remains a fundamental term in both everyday language and specialized contexts, embodying its historical roots while adapting to contemporary usage.