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minor
/ˈmaɪnər/
lesser in importance or size
She suffered only minor injuries in the accident.
The injuries were not serious.
general
Of lesser importance, seriousness, or size
The committee discussed several minor issues before the main topic.
The issues were not significant.
He received a minor punishment for his mistake.
The punishment was not severe.
Often used to describe problems, injuries, or roles that are not major.
Law
Law
A person under the age of legal adulthood
The contract cannot be signed by a minor without parental consent.
A person under 18 or 21, depending on jurisdiction.
In legal contexts, 'minor' refers to someone who has not reached the age of majority.
education
A secondary subject or field of study
She majored in biology and took a minor in chemistry.
A secondary academic focus pursued alongside a major.
In academia, a 'minor' is a designated secondary area of study.
Law
Law
To transfer or send (a case) to a lower court
The judge decided to minor the case to a lower court for further review.
To send a legal case to a lower judicial authority.
Rare usage; primarily found in legal jargon.
Collocations
minor injurya small or not serious harmminor rolea small or unimportant partminor in [subject]to pursue a secondary academic focus
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguish 'minor' vs. 'minimum'
'Minor' describes relative unimportance, while 'minimum' refers to the smallest possible amount (e.g., 'minimum age' vs. 'minor role').
Gold Rule
Legal vs. General Use
In law, 'minor' is a technical term for a person underage. In everyday use, it describes something of lesser importance.
Word Origin
From Latin *minor* ('lesser'), comparative form of *parvus* ('small'). The legal sense of 'underage person' emerged in the 17th century.
Usage Notes
In academic contexts, 'minor' is often paired with 'major' (e.g., 'major in physics, minor in math'). In law, 'minor' specifically refers to someone below the age of majority (typically 18 or 21). Avoid using 'minor' to describe people in a demeaning way; it is a neutral legal term.
Word Breakdown
min-
less, smaller
root-or
comparative suffix
suffixEnglish Dictionary