What is minor? Pronunciation and usage in English

minor means . Learn how to pronounce and use minor through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of minor

minoradjective

/ˈmʌɪnə/
Definition & pronunciation of minor

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "minor." It's a tricky one for many English learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈmaɪnər/ (This is phonetic spelling - it represents how it sounds)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. "mi-" - Sounds like "my" (as in "my car"). It's a short, quick vowel sound.

  2. "-nor" - This is the tricky part. It's NOT "nor" like in "north." It's pronounced like "ner." The "r" is very subtle, almost like a very light "d" sound. Think of the sound you make when you say "dinner." It's a quick, almost swallowed "r."

Here's a way to think about it:

Imagine saying "my-ner" quickly. The "r" is very, very light and blends into the "e."

Resources to help you hear it:

Important note: You might hear slightly different variations, but the pronunciation above is the most frequently used and understood.

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Usage and examples with the word minor in English

Let's break down how to use the word "minor" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As an Adjective (Most Common Usage): Meaning "Small or Insignificant"

  • Describing Quantity or Degree: This is the most frequent usage. It means something is not very important or significant.
    • Example: "The damage was minor – just a scratch on the car."
    • Example: “Don't worry about it, it's a minor inconvenience.”
    • Example: “She only received a minor injury.”
    • Synonyms: slight, trivial, negligible, unimportant, small

2. As a Noun (Referring to Age): Meaning "Under the Age of Majority"

  • Legal Definition: Someone who is younger than the legal age of adulthood (usually 18).
    • Example: "The minor was allowed to sign a contract with parental consent."
    • Example: “He’s a minor and cannot vote.”
    • Related Terms: “Child,” “Youth,” “Underage.”

3. As a Noun (Referring to a Grade or Level):

  • Schooling: This refers to a lower grade or level of study.
    • Example: "He’s taking a minor in Art History." (Meaning he’s studying art history as a secondary subject alongside his major.)
    • Example: "She completed a minor in Psychology.”

4. As a Verb (Less Common): Meaning “To Reduce or Diminish”

  • Reducing Importance: To lessen the significance of something.
    • Example: “The judge decided to minor the sentence.” (Meaning the sentence was reduced.)
    • Example: “The company minored the cost of the project.” (Meaning they reduced the cost.)

Here's a table summarizing the different uses:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Adjective Small, insignificant "It was a minor issue."
Noun Under the age of majority "He's a minor."
Noun A lower grade/level of study "She’s studying a minor in Biology."
Verb To reduce or diminish “They minored the damages.”

Tips for Using "Minor" Correctly:

  • Context is key. Pay attention to how the word is used in the sentence to understand its meaning.
  • Be mindful of the noun vs. adjective usage. Ensure you’re describing something as ‘small’ (adjective) or referring to someone’s age (noun).
  • Synonyms can help clarify: If you’re unsure, consider using a synonym like “small,” “insignificant,” or “slight.”

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "minor" in a specific context (e.g., in a legal setting, in a description of an injury)?
  • Explain the difference between "minor" and related words like "minority"?
  • Provide some practice sentences for you to try?

Synonyms for the word minor

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