Is a tiny spelling mistake “minuscule”? Or should it be a “miniscule” mistake? Let’s look at how to use this term correctly in your writing.
The adjective “minuscule” describes something extremely small or negligible:
Compared with an elephant, a mouse is minuscule.
My office is minuscule, no bigger than a cupboard.
There was a minuscule risk of infection.
The “minus” at the start of “minuscule” comes from the same Latin root as the word “minus.” And while “minus” means “subtract” in English, it meant “less” in Latin. This is why it is related to smallness in “minuscule.”
Many people misspell “minuscule” as “miniscule,” with a second “i” instead of a “u.” This is because “mini” means “small” (e.g., miniskirt, minicomputer). People then naturally assume the correct spelling is “miniscule.”
However, as noted above, this word should be “minuscule,” with the “minus-” at the start coming from a Latin term meaning “less”:
Forensics found a miniscule amount of blood at the scene. ✗
Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.
Forensics found a minuscule amount of blood at the scene. ✓
With his miniscule earnings, he could hardly afford the rent. ✗
With his minuscule earnings, he could hardly afford the rent. ✓
Because “miniscule” is such a common spelling mistake, some dictionaries now list it as a variant spelling of “minuscule.” But most style guides still consider “miniscule” an error, so it is best to always use “minuscule”!
“Minuscule” is an adjective meaning “very small” or “negligible in degree.”
Many people misspell this word as “miniscule.” And some dictionaries now list this as a variant spelling. However, most people still consider the “mini-” spelling an error, so you should stick to “minuscule” in formal writing.
To avoid this mistake, remember that the “minus” in “minuscule” comes from a Latin word meaning “less.” And for more help with your spelling, why not submit a free trial document to our proofreaders?
Δ
3-minute read
Google Docs is a powerful collaborative tool, and mastering its features can significantly enhance your...
2-minute read
If you’re writing about health issues, you might need to reference the Centers for Disease...
5-minute read
Introduction If you’re involved with ecommerce, you’re likely familiar with the often painstaking process of...
Are you interested in learning more about the role of a content editor and the...
4-minute read
Proofreading is important to ensure your writing is clear and concise for your readers. Whether...
Creating presentations can be time-consuming and frustrating. Trying to construct a visually appealing and informative...