Word
minutiae
Phoneticsmi·nu·ti·ae, stress on the second syllable
US/mɪˈnuːʃiiː/
UK/mɪnˈjuːʃiiː/
Plural noun
Definition
n. the small, precise, or trivial details of something. You use this when talking about minor points that take time or attention.
n. small, precise, or trivial details considered collectively; fine points or technicalities of a subject or routine.
Examples
“She handles the daily minutiae of running the office.”
“Don't get bogged down in the minutiae; focus on the main objective.”
“The new manager spent weeks mastering the administrative minutiae of the department before implementing any structural changes.”
Examples
simple
“She handles the daily minutiae of running the office.”
contextual
“Don't get bogged down in the minutiae; focus on the main objective.”
complex
“The new manager spent weeks mastering the administrative minutiae of the department before implementing any structural changes.”
Usage
Minutiae is a plural noun taking plural verbs (for example, "The minutiae are complex"). It is commonly paired with adjectives like administrative, legal, or everyday.
Pitfall
The minutiae is boring.
The minutiae are boring.
Minutiae is a plural noun derived from Latin. Use plural verb forms like "are" or "were" rather than singular forms.
Real-World Examples
“The artist’s mastery lies in her attention to the minutiae of brushstrokes and shading.” “The detective focused on the minutiae of the crime scene.” “Photograph: Business Wire/AP Like Johnson, des Esseintes is medically fragile, obsessed with death, and preoccupied with the minutiae of his private sensations.” “Members of Congress can make national headlines by demanding minutiae from the Hunter Biden–laptop saga.” Etymology
Plural form of Latin minutia (“smallness, minor detail”). Latin -ia becomes -iae in the plural nominative.
Original etymology written by Shinotoshi Nakamura.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- 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.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL 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: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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