Pronunciation: /ˈmaɪnəs/

Definitions of minus

noun a mathematical operation of subtraction

Example Sentences

A1 I have five apples, and my friend has two apples, so the difference is three apples.

A2 The temperature outside is 10 degrees Celsius, but with the wind chill factor, it feels like minus five degrees.

B1 The company's profits were down this quarter, resulting in a minus on the balance sheet.

B2 The team's performance was affected by the absence of their star player, resulting in a minus in their overall score.

C1 The project manager calculated the costs and benefits of the new initiative, factoring in both the pluses and minuses.

C2 The artist used a bold color palette with splashes of reds and yellows, creating a striking contrast with the deep blues and minuses.

preposition used to indicate subtraction or a negative quantity

Example Sentences

A1 I have five apples minus two apples, so I have three apples left.

A2 She scored 80% on the test, minus the extra credit points.

B1 The total cost of the items minus the discount equals the final price.

B2 The company's revenue for the quarter was $1 million minus operating expenses.

C1 The athlete's time in the race was impressive, minus the time lost at the start.

C2 The painting was valued at $10,000 minus the restoration costs.

Examples of minus in a Sentence

formal The temperature dropped to minus 10 degrees Celsius last night.

informal I only have two apples left, minus the one I ate earlier.

slang I'm feeling minus about going to that party tonight.

figurative Her decision to quit her job was a minus for the company.

Grammatical Forms of minus

past tense

minused

plural

minuses

comparative

more minus

superlative

most minus

present tense

minus

future tense

will minus

perfect tense

have minused

continuous tense

is minusing

singular

minus

positive degree

minus

infinitive

to minus

gerund

minusing

participle

minused

Origin and Evolution of minus

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'minus' originated from Latin, derived from the word 'minuere' meaning 'to lessen or reduce'.
Evolution of the word: Over time, 'minus' has retained its original meaning of subtraction or reduction, but it has also been extended to describe negative quantities or values in mathematics.