Word
minimally
Phoneticsmin·i·mal·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmɪnəməɫi/
UK/mˈɪnɪməli/
Adverb of degree
Definition
adv. to a very small degree or in a way that uses the smallest amount possible. You use this when something is done just enough to work, but no more.
adv. to the smallest possible degree or amount; in a manner that is barely adequate or noticeable.
Examples
“The patient was only minimally affected by the medicine.”
“The old house was minimally furnished, containing only a single bed and a wooden chair in the corner.”
“While the new regulations were intended to transform the industry, they were minimally enforced, leading to widespread non-compliance among the smaller firms.”
Examples
simple
“The patient was only minimally affected by the medicine.”
contextual
“The old house was minimally furnished, containing only a single bed and a wooden chair in the corner.”
complex
“While the new regulations were intended to transform the industry, they were minimally enforced, leading to widespread non-compliance among the smaller firms.”
Usage
Typically placed before the adjective or past participle it modifies.
Real-World Examples
“Its coordinate-preserving sampling strategy also points to new possibilities for spatial analysis in live or minimally processed tissues.” “If you base your meals on mainly unprocessed or minimally processed ingredients, and cook more often than not, you won’t go far wrong.” “Using samples collected with minimally invasive techniques, the researchers examined her biology across several layers at once.” Etymology
From minimal + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/minimally