Minimal vs. Minimum

By Jaxson

  • Minimal (adjective)

    The smallest possible amount, quantity, or degree.

  • Minimal (adjective)

    characterised by the use of simple form or structures.

  • Minimal (adjective)

    characterised by the repetition and gradual alteration of short phrases.

  • Minimum (noun)

    The lowest limit.

    “We prefer candidates with a minimum of 4 years experience in the field.”

    “We need a minimum of three staff members on duty at all time.”

  • Minimum (noun)

    The smallest amount.

    “He always tries to get away with doing the minimum.”

    “Please keep noise to a minimum after 11 o’clock”

  • Minimum (noun)

    A period of minimum brightness or energy intensity (of a star).

    “The Maunder minimum of the Sun reportedly corresponded to a period of great cold on Earth.”

  • Minimum (noun)

    A lower bound of a set which is also an element of that set.

  • Minimum (noun)

    The smallest member of a batch or sample or the lower bound of a probability distribution.

  • Minimum (adjective)

    To the lowest degree.

Wiktionary
  • Minimal (adjective)

    of a minimum amount, quantity, or degree; negligible

    “the aircraft suffered minimal damage”

    “production costs are minimal”

  • Minimal (adjective)

    characterized by the use of simple forms or structures, especially geometric or massive ones.

  • Minimal (adjective)

    characterized by simplicity and lack of adornment or decoration

    “minimal, simple evening dresses in luxurious fabrics”

  • Minimal (adjective)

    characterized by the repetition and gradual alteration of short phrases.

  • Minimal (adjective)

    (of a pair of forms) distinguished by only one feature

    “‘p’ and ‘b’ are a minimal pair, distinguished by the feature of voicing”

  • Minimum (noun)

    the least or smallest amount or quantity possible, attainable, or required

    “keep costs to a minimum”

    “they checked visas with the minimum of fuss”

  • Minimum (noun)

    the lowest or smallest amount of a varying quantity (e.g. temperature) allowed, attained, or recorded

    “clients with a minimum of £500,000 to invest”

  • Minimum (adjective)

    smallest or lowest

    “this can be done with the minimum amount of effort”

Oxford Dictionary

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