What does minimally mean?
Minimally means to the smallest possible extent or degree. It is used when describing something that is changed, performed, or affected as little as possible, often while acknowledging that some modification is still necessary. For example, a surgical procedure may be described as minimally invasive if it involves limited damage to surrounding tissue, while a business may seek a minimally viable product that can be tested in the market at the lowest sustainable cost. The adverb has a formal, precise tone and is especially common in medicine, engineering, design, business, and environmental contexts. Its meaning should be distinguished from “not at all”: minimally indicates the smallest possible amount, not necessarily the absence of an action or effect. The word ultimately comes from the Latin minimum, meaning “the least,” through the adjective minimal.
adverbTo the smallest possible extent or amount; as little as possible.
- To the smallest possible extent, amount, or degree.
- Using or involving the least amount of time, effort, cost, or material necessary.
"The new design changes the original layout only minimally."
"The repair will reduce energy consumption without substantially changing the appliance."
"The interview was conducted in a minimally furnished room."
Sometimes the most effective change is the one that leaves almost everything untouched.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does minimally come from?
Minimally derives from the adjective minimal, which comes from Latin minimum, meaning “the least” or “smallest.” Latin minimum originally referred to the smallest possible amount and developed into the English noun minimum, meaning the least quantity permitted. The adverb minimus was formed directly from the adjective minimal with the suffix -ly.
Related word forms
How minimally is actually used
The adverb is formal and commonly used in technical, professional, and academic contexts. It often appears in fixed expressions such as “minimally invasive” and “minimally viable.”
Easily confused with minimally
“Minimally” means to the smallest possible extent, whereas “maximum” means to the greatest possible extent.