English Reference
Adverb

minimally

adv. degree
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈmɪnəməɫi/ UK /mˈɪnɪməli/ min·i·mal·ly

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.


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.

Using samples collected with minimally invasive techniques, the researchers examined her biology across several layers at once.

ScienceDaily· 11 Sept 2026

From minimal + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated