minimal

Word family

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 5++朗文当代英语 5++LDOCE 5++朗文 5++min·i·mal /ˈmɪnəməl/ AWL adjective LITTLE/NOT MUCHvery small in degree or amount, especially the smallest degree or amount possible 极小的，极少的；〔尤指〕最小的，最少的 The storm caused only minimal damage 暴风雨只造成了轻微破坏。 The cost to taxpayers would be minimal. 纳税人的支出将是最少的。 This is a practical course, with only a minimal amount of theory. 这是实践课程，只有少量理论。 —minimally adverb Rates of truancy from school have only increased minimally. 逃学率仅略有增长。

Examples from the Corpus

minimal• The effect on taxpayers will be minimal.• The impact of the sale on current employees should be minimal.• Democrats charge that the savings to the consumer, if any actually materialize, will be minimal.• Johannesburg: Interest was minimal and the market closed weaker, with the general index 19 points down at 2,710.• But his role is expected to be minimal, aside from a brief speech and video presentation.• The source code and minimal documentation will be available to researchers and libraries.• Some states, however, give nontenured teachers minimal procedural rights.• The new operating technique involves minimal risk to patients.• The crew had very little experience and were given minimal safety training.• The former requires minimal talent, hard work and a lot of luck.• Desert plants will stay healthy even with minimal watering.Origin minimal (1600-1700) Latin minimus; → MINIMUM2