Words / C1

MINS/mɪns/

To mince is to cut into very small pieces; also to speak indirectly (mince one’s words): mince the n, not mince words. Cut (already in the dictionary) is everyday; do not soften the raw count in the minute.

Meaning

To cut into very small pieces; also to speak indirectly (mince one’s words; from cut, already in the dictionary).

Examples

• “Do not mince the n in the minute; put the raw count in the cell.”
• “Cut is already in this course. Soft-pedal is the speech twin. Softening is a slogan. A codebook line is methods. Write the raw number; then polish the abstract if the rule still allows it.”

Good to know

Chop finely; speak indirectly. Everyday: cut (already in the dictionary). Softening ≠ a true n.

Near in meaning

chop, soften, hedge

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