rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: minor
Latin

minor

smaller, less, or younger

Forms

  • minor
  • min- — A related shorter form.
  • minus — Another Latin comparison form.

Origin

From an inherited Latin small-or-less family.

Note

A size comparison could extend to age, rank, or importance.

1 / 2
adjective / noun / verb

minor

MY-ner/ˈmaɪnər/

Of secondary importance or scale.

The bicycle fender has only a minor scratch on its surface.

Small superficial scratch on an otherwise sound bicycle fender.
Etymology
minorLatinsmaller, less, or younger

Latin minor expressed both smaller size and lower importance. English preserves that comparison: something minor is lesser in scale or consequence than something else.

In context

Realidades Invisibles5:43
… are gastrointestinal symptoms that are often disregarded or misinterpreted as minor stomach issues but can be indicative of a heart attack
Warning Signs Your Body Sends Before A Heart Attack

More examples

  • She chooses history as her minor and biology as her major.
  • He minors in Spanish while studying engineering.
  • He plays for a minor league baseball team.

Forms

minor · minors · minored · minoring

Similar words

slight
Emphasizes small degree or amount rather than importance.
secondary
Emphasizes a supporting role or rank below something primary.