Word family noun minimum minimalism minimalist adjective minimal minimum minimalist verb minimize adverb minimally minimum
From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishminimalmin‧i‧mal /ˈmɪnəməl/ ●●○ AWL adjective LITTLE/NOT MUCHvery small in degree or amount, especially the smallest degree or amount possible The storm caused only minimal damage The cost to taxpayers would be minimal. This is a practical course, with only a minimal amount of theory. —minimally adverb Rates of truancy from school have only increased minimally.Examples from the Corpus
minimal• The effect on taxpayers will be minimal.• The impact of the sale on current employees should be minimal.• Democrats charge that the savings to the consumer, if any actually materialize, will be minimal.• Johannesburg: Interest was minimal and the market closed weaker, with the general index 19 points down at 2,710.• But his role is expected to be minimal, aside from a brief speech and video presentation.• The source code and minimal documentation will be available to researchers and libraries.• Some states, however, give nontenured teachers minimal procedural rights.• The new operating technique involves minimal risk to patients.• The crew had very little experience and were given minimal safety training.• The former requires minimal talent, hard work and a lot of luck.• Desert plants will stay healthy even with minimal watering.Origin minimal (1600-1700) Latin minimus; → MINIMUM2 