minimum

The word “minimum” means the smallest amount, level, or degree possible or allowed. In plain terms, the least amount that is possible, needed, or allowed.

“Minimum” is pronounced MIH-nih-muhm (/ˈmɪnəməm/ in IPA).

Here is “minimum” used in a sentence: “The minimum wage was raised last year.”

The opposite of “minimum” — its antonyms — is maximum.

Depending on how it is used, “minimum” can be a noun and an adjective.

The word “minimum” comes from Latin. A learned borrowing from Latin minimum, the neuter form of minimus, "least" or "smallest.".

“Minimum” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Minimum” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the smallest amount, level, or degree possible or allowed.

They are opposites. Minimum is the smallest amount, level, or degree possible or allowed; maximum is the largest. A minimum order is the least you may buy, while a maximum is the most. A simple way to remember: mini hints at small, so minimum is the low end and maximum the high end.

Two forms are accepted. Minima is the traditional Latin plural, common in science, mathematics, and formal writing. Minimums is the regular English plural and is perfectly correct in everyday use. Both refer to more than one minimum value; choose whichever suits your context and audience, then stay consistent.

Yes. Although it is a noun, minimum frequently works before another noun to mean the least required or allowed: minimum wage, minimum age, minimum balance, minimum temperature. In these phrases it sets the lowest acceptable level. The core meaning stays the same — the smallest amount involved.

Common examples include the minimum wage, the lowest hourly pay an employer may legally give; a minimum age for driving or voting; a minimum spend before a card payment is accepted; or the minimum temperature recorded overnight. Each marks the smallest amount or level permitted or reached.