| The word minimal is confused in more than one way. Please note that there are multiple groups on this page. |
| minimal |
the least possible |
| marginal |
at the edge of; the least acceptable |
| small |
little in value, quantity, or size |
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Examples |
I made marginal notes on the spreadsheet.
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| Profits from the enterprise were marginal.
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| Employees who put in minimal time and effort were laid off.
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| Profits were too small to stay in business.
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| minimal |
least in amount or degree (adjective) |
| minimum |
the smallest possible number or amount (noun) |
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Examples |
Minimal editing will not result in a perfect paper.
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| You must buy a minimum of ten cases of Ding Dongs in order to get a discount.
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| minimal |
least in amount or degree (adjective) |
| nominal |
existing in name only; small, insignificant |
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Examples |
Queen Elizabeth II fills a nominal position; she has little to do with government.
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| I gave a nominal amount to the charity.
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| The store charged a minimal mark up on software hoping to sell hardware.
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