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minimum

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈmɪnəməm// UK //mˈɪnɪməm// min·i·mum Academic General-service

n. the smallest amount or level of something that is possible or allowed. You use this when you want to say that something cannot go any lower.

n. the least quantity or amount possible, assignable, or allowable in a given context. Often used to define a lower limit or threshold in statistical or regulatory frameworks.


SIMPLE

You must pay a minimum of ten dollars.

CONTEXTUAL

The safety regulations require a minimum of two fire exits on every floor of the building.

COMPLEX

While the researchers aimed for a higher sample size, they established a minimum of fifty participants to ensure the study's findings remained statistically significant.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

Learned borrowing from Latin minimum, neuter form of minimus (“least, smallest”).

Usage

Often functions as a noun in the phrase 'at a minimum' or 'a minimum of'; can also act as an attributive noun modifying another noun.

Pitfall

the minimums amountthe minimum amountWhen used before another noun to describe it, use the singular form 'minimum' as an adjective, not the plural noun.

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