Minor
/ˈmaɪnər/
Definitions
3 meaningsOf secondary importance; not serious; small or relatively small; less important, serious, or significant.
/ˈmaɪnər/
Less important, serious, or significant.
He suffered a minor setback in his recovery.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're telling your friend about a problem. If it's a 'minor' problem, it means it's not a huge deal. Like, if you stub your toe, it's a minor injury compared to breaking a leg!
👶 For kids: Not very important or not very big.
More Examples
The company faces a minor challenge.
The car had sustained only minor damage in the accident.
How It's Used
"The accused was charged with a minor offense."
"The song is in a minor key."
A person who is under the age of legal adulthood.
/ˈmaɪnər/
A person under the age of legal adulthood.
The store refused to sell the movie to minors.
💡 Simply: A minor is just a kid, a person who isn't legally an adult yet. They might have to follow different rules or need a grown-up's permission to do certain things.
👶 For kids: A kid who isn't old enough to do grown-up stuff like drive a car or vote.
More Examples
The camp was designed for minors to learn about nature.
A guardian is responsible for the well-being of a minor.
How It's Used
"The law protects minors from exploitation."
To study (a subject) as a minor subject.
/ˈmaɪnər/
He decided to minor in economics.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're going to college. If you're 'minoring' in something, it means it's your second favorite subject. You study it, but not as much as your main focus.
👶 For kids: To pick a subject to study a little bit in school, but not as your main subject.
More Examples
Many students choose to minor in a foreign language.
She is minoring in art history.
How It's Used
"She is minoring in French while majoring in History."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Latin *minor* meaning 'lesser' or 'smaller'.
The term 'minor' for a person under age has been in use since the 14th century.
Memory tip
Think of a minor injury – it's not life-threatening, just smaller.
Word Origin
"lesser, smaller"