What is minimum? Pronunciation and usage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "minimum" in English. It's a versatile word, but it has a specific meaning.

1. Core Definition:

• Minimum means the least amount or degree of something. It's the lowest limit or value.

2. Common Uses & Examples:

• Quantity:
  • "The minimum temperature today is 5 degrees Celsius." (The lowest possible temperature)
  • "We require a minimum of 10 participants for the workshop." (The smallest number needed)
  • "The minimum payment on the credit card is $25." (The smallest amount you must pay)
• Age/Height/Weight:
  • "The minimum age to vote is 18."
  • "The minimum height requirement for the roller coaster is 48 inches."
  • “The minimum weight for the competition is 150 pounds.”
• Time:
  • "There's a minimum two-week notice required for this apartment." (You have to give at least two weeks' notice)
• Standards/Requirements:
  • "The product meets the minimum safety standards." (It has to be at least as safe as the regulations)
  • “We adhere to the minimum legal requirements.”
• Expressions:
  • "By minimum effort” - meaning with the least amount of effort. “I’ll just do the minimum effort required to get a passing grade.”
  • "At the minimum” - meaning at the very least. “At the minimum, you should arrive on time.”

3. Grammar Points:

• Adjective: "Minimum" is almost always used as an adjective – it describes something. (e.g., "the minimum price," "a minimum amount")
• Noun (Less Common): Sometimes, "minimum" can be used as a noun referring to the lowest acceptable amount or level. This is less frequent. (e.g., "The company is cutting unnecessary expenses – the minimum costs.")

4. Synonyms:

Depending on the context, you could use:

• Lowest
• Least
• Smallest
• Minimum
• Bare minimum
• Absolute minimum

5. Distinguishing from "Min:

Be careful not to confuse "minimum" with "min" (without the “e”). “Min” is a shortened form of "minimum" and is used informally.

Examples Putting it Together:

• “The company offered a minimum wage of $15 per hour.” (lowest allowed wage)
• “You must pay a minimum of $100 for shipping.” (the smallest shipping cost)
• “The project requires a minimum of five hours of work.” (the absolute least amount of time)

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To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

• What context are you trying to use "minimum" in? (e.g., writing an email, speaking conversationally, a specific subject like business or science)