Words / B1

MIN-im-uh-l/ˈmɪnɪməl/

Minimal means very small in amount. Minimum and minimise are already in the dictionary. Small is everyday; negligible is even smaller (C1 twin). Transport: disruption was minimal once replacement buses ran.

Meaning

Very small in amount or level.

Examples

• “Disruption was minimal once the replacement bus ran from the station.”
• “Minimal disruption is not zero disruption — say so in the announcement.”

Good to know

minimal + disruption / risk / cost. Related: minimum / minimise. Everyday: very small. Travel / NHS. Not “minimally” for the idea in most headlines (that is the adverb).

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