Minimum

Pronunciation: /ˈmɪnɪməm/

Definitions of minimum

noun the least or smallest amount or quantity possible

Example Sentences

A1 The minimum age to enter the amusement park is 12 years old.

A2 I need to have a minimum of three references for this job application.

B1 There is a minimum amount of sugar required for this recipe to turn out correctly.

B2 The company policy states that employees must work a minimum of 40 hours per week.

C1 The minimum wage in this country is not enough to support a family.

C2 There is a minimum level of proficiency required to pass this language exam.

Examples of minimum in a Sentence

formal The company has set a minimum requirement for all employees to have a bachelor's degree.

informal You need a minimum of five years of experience to apply for that job.

slang I can't go out tonight, I'm on a tight budget so I have to spend the minimum.

figurative She always gives the minimum effort in everything she does.

Grammatical Forms of minimum

• past tense: minimized
• plural: minimums
• comparative: more minimum
• superlative: most minimum
• present tense: minimizes
• future tense: will minimize
• perfect tense: has minimized
• continuous tense: is minimizing
• singular: minimum
• positive degree: minimum
• infinitive: to minimize
• gerund: minimizing
• participle: minimized

Origin and Evolution of minimum

First Known Use: 1650 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'minimum' originated from Latin, specifically from the word 'minimus' meaning smallest or least.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in mathematical contexts to refer to the smallest value in a set, the term 'minimum' has evolved to be commonly used in various fields to denote the least possible amount or degree of something.