Word
minuscule
Phoneticsmi·nus·cule, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmɪnəˌskjuɫ/
UK/mˈɪnəskjˌuːl/
Definition
adj. extremely small in size or amount. You use this to describe something that is much smaller than you would normally expect.
adj. extremely small in size, amount, or degree. Often used to emphasize the insignificance of a quantity or object.
Examples
“The difference between the two prices is minuscule.”
“The error in the calculation was so minuscule that it had no real impact on the final result.”
“While the individual contribution of each volunteer was minuscule, the collective effort of the community eventually transformed the abandoned lot into a vibrant park.”
Examples
simple
“The difference between the two prices is minuscule.”
contextual
“The error in the calculation was so minuscule that it had no real impact on the final result.”
complex
“While the individual contribution of each volunteer was minuscule, the collective effort of the community eventually transformed the abandoned lot into a vibrant park.”
Real-World Examples
“Given a minuscule budget and a preposterously short time – just six days – to shoot the entire film, Frith went in knowing that the deck was stacked against him.” “The northern route is "a temporary and minuscule solution with regard to the overall needs," de Ricqles said.” “It takes a specific set of conditions to preserve the minuscule packages of soft tissue left behind by juveniles.” Etymology
From French minuscule, from Latin minuscula, feminine of minusculus (“rather less, rather small”), from minus (“less, smaller”) + -culus (diminutive suffix).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/minuscule