minor
- 01 B1 Intermediate
adj.small in size, amount, or importance when compared to other things.
adj.lesser in importance, size, degree, or significance relative to others of the same kind.
Simple“The car had some minor damage after the accident, but it still worked fine.”
In context“The researchers noted a minor discrepancy in the data, though it was not significant enough to alter the final conclusion of the study.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a person who is not yet an adult in the eyes of the law, usually under 18.
n.a person who has not yet reached the age of legal majority and is therefore subject to specific legal protections and restrictions.
Simple“It is illegal to sell alcohol to a minor in most countries.”
In context“The court appointed a legal guardian to represent the interests of the minor during the inheritance dispute.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a second subject that a student studies at university, which requires fewer classes than their main subject.
n.a formally recognized secondary area of undergraduate study requiring fewer credits than a major.
Simple“She is doing a major in History with a minor in French.”
In context“Choosing a minor in Statistics proved beneficial for his career in social research, providing him with essential quantitative skills.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to study a specific second subject at university.
v.to pursue a secondary academic discipline as an undergraduate student; almost exclusively used with the preposition 'in'.
Simple“I decided to minor in Economics because I thought it would help me find a job.”
In context“He chose to minor in Philosophy to complement his primary studies in Physics, hoping to explore the theoretical foundations of science.”
UsageThe verb is intransitive and typically takes the preposition 'in'.
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.describes a scale or key that often sounds sad or serious to the listener.
adj.relating to a scale or key based on a musical mode containing a minor third; often contrasted with 'major' in Western tonal music.
Simple“The song is written in a minor key, which gives it a very sad feeling.”
In context“The composer transitioned from a bright C major opening to a haunting melody in A minor to evoke a sense of longing.”
Antonyms
Usage minor injuries · minor challenge · robust minor
“Green spaces could play a key role in helping cities cope with the effects of climate change, yet they still play only a minor role in climate strategies.”
“Police said the driver and a front seat passenger, a 20-year-old woman from Welland, were transported to local hospitals with minor injuries.”