minor

¹mi·nor

adj \ˈmī-nər\

Definition of MINOR

1

: inferior in importance, size, or degree : comparatively unimportant

2

: not having reached majority

3

a : having half steps between the second and third, the fifth and sixth, and sometimes the seventh and eighth degrees <minor scale> b : based on a minor scale <minor key> c : less by a semitone than the corresponding major interval <minor third> d : having a minor third above the root <minor triad>

4

: not serious or involving risk to life <minor illness>

5

: of or relating to an academic subject requiring fewer courses than a major

Examples of MINOR

1. Her role in the project was minor.
2. I'm not worried about minor details.
3. The grant covered only a minor part of the cost.
4. The delay will be minor.
5. He suffered a minor heart attack.

Origin of MINOR

Latin, smaller, inferior; akin to Old High German minniro smaller, Latin minuere to lessen

First Known Use: 1526

Related to MINOR

Synonyms: inferior, junior, less, lower, lesser, smaller, subordinate

Antonyms: greater, higher, major, more, primary, prime, senior, superior, superordinate

Related Words: little, mean, small; minute, petty; jerkwater, one-horse, second-class, second-rate, two-bit; associate, auxiliary, secondary, subsidiary

Near Antonyms: choice, exceptional, first-class, first-rate

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with MINOR

briner, diner, liner, miner, Reiner, shiner, Shriner, signer, twiner, whiner