minimum
word
/ˈmɪnəməm/
MI-nuh-muhm
/mˈɪnɪməm/
MI-ni-muhm
Definition
The smallest amount, number, or level that is allowed, needed, or possible. It is often used for rules, requirements, prices, temperatures, or limits.
Usage & Nuances
Often appears in phrases like 'minimum age', 'minimum wage', 'minimum requirement', and 'at a minimum'. It is more common in formal, official, or technical contexts than in casual speech. Do not confuse it with 'minimal', which usually means very small in amount or simple in style.
Spanish: mínimoPortuguese (BR): mínimoPortuguese (PT): mínimoChinese (Simplified): 最低限 - 最小值Chinese (Traditional): 最低限 - 最小值Hindi: न्यूनतमArabic: الحد الأدنى - الحدّ الأدنىBengali: নূন্যতম - সর্বনিম্নRussian: минимумJapanese: 最小限 - 最低Vietnamese: tối thiểuKorean: 최소Turkish: en az - asgariUrdu: کم سے کمIndonesian: minimum - paling sedikit
Example Sentences
The minimum age to enter is 18.
basic
You need a minimum of two people for this game.
basic
The hotel charges a minimum fee of $50.
basic
We should keep contact to a minimum until things calm down.
natural
At a minimum, we need one more week to finish this.
natural
I’m doing the minimum just to get through the day.
natural