minus
minus
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "minus" is /ˈmaɪnəs/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
First syllable ("mi"):
/m/ - a bilabial nasal consonant
/aɪ/ - a diphthong (a combination of two vowel sounds)
Second syllable ("nus"):
/n/ - an alveolar nasal consonant
/ə/ - a mid-central vowel (schwa)
/s/ - an alveolar sibilant
Word Form Variations
minus (noun): This is the most common form, referring to the mathematical operation of subtraction, or a negative quantity. It can be used both as a singular and (less commonly) as an uncountable noun. For example: "Five minus two equals three." or "The minuses outweighed the pluses."
minus (adjective): Describing something as negative or less than zero. For example: "minus five degrees" or "a minus score."
minus (preposition): Indicating subtraction or a deficiency. For example: "Ten minus three" or "He finished the race minus any penalties."
There isn't a standard plural form of "minus" as a noun in the sense of multiple subtractions. While you might see "minuses" (as in the example "The minuses outweighed the pluses"), it's not a standard plural in the same way that "cats" is the plural of "cat". It's more of a pluralization of the concept of a minus, rather than the word itself.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun:
Definition 1 (Mathematical): The operation of subtraction; the act of taking away a quantity from another. A negative quantity.
Synonyms: subtraction, deduction, deficit, negative value
Antonyms: addition, plus, positive value, sum
Definition 2 (Figurative): A disadvantage, drawback, or negative aspect.
Synonyms: disadvantage, drawback, liability, weakness, shortcoming
Antonyms: advantage, benefit, asset, strength, plus
Adjective:
Definition 1 (Mathematical): Less than zero; negative.
Synonyms: negative, below zero, subzero
Antonyms: positive, plus, above zero
Definition 2 (Informal): Lacking or deficient in something specified.
Synonyms: deficient, lacking, wanting, short, deprived
Antonyms: sufficient, adequate, ample, abundant, replete
Preposition:
Definition: Indicating subtraction or the amount by which something is less than another.
Synonyms: less, without, except, excluding
Antonyms: plus, including, with, in addition to
Verb (Rare/Less Common):
Definition: To reduce or decrease. (This usage is less common and often replaced with other verbs.)
Synonyms: decrease, reduce, subtract, diminish, deduct
Antonyms: increase, add, augment, enhance, amplify
It's important to note that the verb form of "minus" is not widely used. While you might find it in some contexts, it's generally better to use more established verbs like "subtract," "deduct," or "decrease."
Examples of Use
Books:
"Five minus three equals two." (Common mathematical example found in countless textbooks)
"The temperature plummeted to minus ten degrees Celsius." (Example of its use in a narrative, demonstrating a cold temperature.)
"His latest performance was a definite minus for his career." (Figurative use, implying a negative impact.)
Newspapers/Online Publications:
"The company reported a minus 5% growth in the last quarter." (Business news, using "minus" to indicate a negative percentage.) (Example: Search any financial news site for "minus growth")
"The team's star player was a minus due to injury." (Sports news, indicating the player's absence is a disadvantage.) (Example: Search sports news sites for "team minus player")
"Experts warn of minus effects of climate change." (Environmental article, referring to negative consequences.) (Example: Search environmental news for "minus effects climate change")
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
"Minus Infinity" (Title of a song/album/artwork - demonstrating creative use) (Example: Search music platforms for "Minus Infinity")
"Minus points for that behavior!" (Used in a game show or competition, indicating a deduction.) (Example: Search for game show clips on YouTube)
"The film received minus reviews from critics." (Film review, indicating negative feedback.) (Example: Search movie review sites for "minus reviews")
General Public Discourse:
"I'm minus five dollars after paying for lunch." (Casual conversation about personal finances.)
"The rain is a big minus for our picnic plans." (Everyday discussion about how something is a disadvantage.)
"He's got a minus attitude." (Informal conversation, using minus figuratively to describe a negative personality.)
"Minus the stress, it was a great vacation." (Common phrase, meaning "excluding" or "without.")
10 Famous Quotes Using Minus
"Art is the elimination of the unnecessary. Art is design, minus clutter." — Pablo Picasso
"Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory, minus regret." — Albert Schweitzer
"Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less. Influence minus integrity equals manipulation." — John C. Maxwell
"Humor is truth plus pain, plus time — and sometimes minus time, when the wound is still fresh." — Mark Twain (attributed)
"Philosophy is questions that may never be answered. Religion is answers that may never be questioned. Philosophy minus curiosity is dogma." — Unknown (widely circulated aphorism)
"Love is friendship plus passion and minus reason." — Louise Colet
"The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you’re still a rat, minus the cheese." — Lily Tomlin
"Style is personality, minus pretension." — Coco Chanel
"Confidence is ignorance. If you’re feeling cocky, it’s because there’s something you don’t know. Confidence minus humility equals arrogance." — Peter Principle (Laurence J. Peter)
"Freedom is nothing else but a chance to be better, minus excuses." — Albert Camus
Etymology
"Minus" comes from the Latin word "minus," which simply means "less." Think of it like saying "less than" or "a smaller amount." This Latin word itself has uncertain origins, but it's likely related to the Proto-Indo-European root *mei-, meaning "small."
The first known use of "minus" in English, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, was in the mid-16th century (around the 1550s). Initially, it was used as an adjective, meaning "less" or "smaller," just like its Latin origin. For example, you might have said "a minus quantity" to describe something that was less than zero.
It wasn't until later that "minus" started to be used as a preposition (like in "ten minus three") and as a noun (referring to the operation of subtraction itself). The mathematical symbol for subtraction, the minus sign (-), developed over time, and its use helped solidify "minus" as a standard mathematical term.
So, in a nutshell, "minus" started as a Latin word meaning "less," entered English as an adjective with the same meaning, and gradually evolved to become a preposition and a noun, particularly within the context of mathematics. Its journey reflects how words can change and take on new roles over time.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Minus
Direct Uses (More Descriptive than Idiomatic):
Minus points: This is a common phrase, particularly in competitive settings, meaning deductions or penalties. While common, it's not quite a full-blown idiom.
Minus the stress: This phrase, meaning "without the stress," is relatively common in casual speech. It's closer to an idiom but still quite literal.
Minus five degrees: This is a standard way of expressing temperature below zero. Again, functional rather than idiomatic.
Constructed/Lesser-Known Phrases (in the spirit of idioms):
"To be minus one's marbles": (A play on "to be missing one's marbles," meaning to be slightly crazy).
"A minus tide": (Figuratively, a time of low energy or lack of resources).
"Life's minuses and pluses": (Referring to the good and bad things in life).
"Minus the fluff": (Meaning "getting straight to the point, without unnecessary details").
"Feeling minus": (A feeling of being depleted, low energy).
Using Synonyms for Idiomatic Effect:
Since "minus" often implies subtraction or lack, we can look at idioms using related words:
"To be short-changed": (Meaning to be treated unfairly or to receive less than what is due). This captures the sense of something being "minus" what it should be.
"To be lacking in something": (A very common phrase expressing a deficiency).
"To be in the red": (Meaning to be in debt). This idiom uses a color metaphor to express a "minus" financial situation.
"To be down on one's luck": (Experiencing a period of misfortune).
"To have a deficit of something": (Meaning to lack something essential).
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of minus from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
