Minutes vs. Minute: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Harlon Moss || Published on November 14, 2023
"Minutes" refers to a written record of a meeting, whereas "minute" refers to sixty seconds.
Key Differences
In the first paragraph, let's discuss the meanings of "minutes" and "minute." "Minutes" can be used as a noun to refer to the written record of a meeting or proceeding. In contrast, "minute" can also be used as a noun, but it refers to a unit of time equal to sixty seconds. Both "minutes" and "minute" are essential words in the English language, each serving its unique purpose in communication.
In the second paragraph, we will explore the pronunciations of "minutes" and "minute." The word "minutes" is pronounced as "min-its," emphasizing the "i" sound. On the other hand, "minute" is pronounced as "my-newt" when referring to something small and detailed, and "min-it" when referring to time. The difference in pronunciation highlights the distinct meanings of "minutes" and "minute."
In the third paragraph, let's talk about the usage of "minutes" and "minute." "Minutes" are typically used in formal settings such as business meetings, conferences, and legal proceedings to document the discussion and decisions made. In contrast, "minute" is commonly used in everyday conversation to refer to a short period, whether discussing time or describing something small and detailed. The usage of "minutes" and "minute" varies greatly depending on the context.
In the fourth paragraph, we'll look at the origins of "minutes" and "minute." The word "minutes" originates from the Latin word "minuta scriptura," meaning "small notes." Similarly, "minute" comes from the Latin word "minutus," meaning "small" when used as an adjective and "a minute" when used as a noun. Although "minutes" and "minute" share a common Latin root, their meanings have evolved over time to represent different concepts.
Comparison Chart
Meaning
Record of a meeting
Sixty seconds
ADVERTISEMENT
Plurality
Plural
Singular
Pronunciation
"Min-its"
"Min-it" or "My-newt"
Usage
Formal settings
Everyday conversation
Origin
"Minuta scriptura"
"Minutus"
Minutes and Minute Definitions
Minutes
A summary or abstract of a document or speech.
The secretary prepared the minutes for the board to review.
ADVERTISEMENT
Minute
A unit of time equal to 60 seconds.
I'll be there in a minute.
Minutes
The proceedings or notes from a particular time or event.
The minutes of the conference will be published next week.
Minute
A brief moment or point in time.
Wait a minute, I need to grab my coat.
Minutes
An official written statement of a resolution or decision.
The minutes were signed and filed for future reference.
Minute
A measurement of angle equal to 1/60th of a degree.
The compass showed a minute deviation from true north.
Minutes
A written record of a meeting.
The minutes from the last meeting were distributed to all members.
Minute
Extremely small or insignificant.
The difference was so minute, it was hardly noticeable.
Minutes
A unit of angular measurement equal to 1/60th of a degree.
The telescope can detect objects with minute precision.
Minute
Detailed and precise.
The artist paid minute attention to every detail.
Minutes
A unit of time equal to one sixtieth of an hour, or 60 seconds.
Minute
A unit of time equal to one sixtieth of an hour, or 60 seconds.
Minutes
A unit of angular measurement equal to one sixtieth of a degree, or 60 seconds. Also called arcminute, minute of arc.
Minute
A unit of angular measurement equal to one sixtieth of a degree, or 60 seconds. Also called arcminute, minute of arc.
FAQs
How do you pronounce "minutes"?
"Minutes" is pronounced "min-its."
What does "minutes" mean?
"Minutes" refers to a written record of a meeting or proceeding.
Can "minute" refer to something small?
Yes, "minute" can be used as an adjective to describe something extremely small or detailed.
How do you pronounce "minute" when referring to time?
"Minute" is pronounced "min-it" when referring to sixty seconds.
Is "minute" always singular?
No, "minute" can be plural when referring to more than one unit of time.
Can "minutes" refer to time?
Yes, "minutes" is the plural form of "minute" when referring to time.
Is there a difference in pronunciation between "minutes" and "minute" when referring to time?
No, "minutes" and "minute" are pronounced the same when referring to time.
How is "minute" used in geometry?
In geometry, "minute" refers to a unit of angle measurement equal to 1/60th of a degree.
What are some synonyms for "minutes"?
Some synonyms for "minutes" include "proceedings," "notes," and "record."
Can "minute" be used to describe a detailed and precise action?
Yes, "minute" can be used as an adjective to describe something detailed and precise.
Can "minutes" be used in legal documents?
Yes, "minutes" are often used in legal documents to record the proceedings of a meeting or court session.
Can "minutes" be singular?
No, "minutes" is always plural when referring to a record of a meeting.
Can "minute" be used to describe a moment in time?
Yes, "minute" can refer to a brief moment or point in time.
What is the origin of "minutes"?
"Minutes" originates from the Latin word "minuta scriptura," meaning "small notes."
Is "minutes" used in everyday conversation?
"Minutes" is typically used in formal settings such as business meetings and legal proceedings.
Is "minute" used in everyday conversation?
Yes, "minute" is commonly used in everyday conversation to refer to time.
Can "minute" be used as a noun?
Yes, "minute" can be used as a noun to refer to time or an adjective to describe something small and detailed.
What is the origin of "minute"?
"Minute" comes from the Latin word "minutus," meaning "small."
Can "minutes" be used as an adjective?
No, "minutes" is used as a noun and does not have an adjective form.
What are some synonyms for "minute"?
Some synonyms for "minute" include "moment," "second," and "instant."
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
