top of page

Synonyms and Related Words for Minutiae

details
incidentals
particulars
specifics
subtleties
technicalities
trifles
trivia
The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook
5 stars

(4.5)

  • 147 lessons, 428 practical activities

  • Dictionary, thesaurus, workbook

  • TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, GRE, ACT

The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives
5 stars

(4.8)

  • 99 lessons, 232 activities

  • Dictionary, thesaurus, workbook

  • TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, GRE, ACT

The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Verbs
5 stars

(4.8)

  • 70 lessons, 175 activities

  • Dictionary, thesaurus, workbook

  • TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, GRE, ACT

minutiae

Minutiae (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

IPA:

Click to hear pronunciation (audio)

What does minutiae mean?

Small or minor details, often insignificant or trivial, that are often overlooked or ignored.
"She was a diligent lawyer who never overlooked the minutiae of the contract."

Detailed Meaning of Minutiae

The word is a plural noun, it is used to describe small, unimportant details that are often considered insignificant or not worth paying attention to. For example, in a book, the minutiae would be the small, insignificant details that the author includes in the story, such as the color of a character's shirt, or the time of day. In a legal document, minutiae would be the small, insignificant details that are not essential to the main points of the document. In scientific research, minutiae would be the small, insignificant details that are not relevant to the main findings of the research. The term is often used to express the idea that attention to detail is important in certain situations, but it can also be used to describe something that is overly focused on minor details at the expense of the bigger picture.

Example Sentences for Minutiae

1. The detective noticed the smallest minutiae at the crime scene, which led to a breakthrough in the case.
2. The artist's attention to minutiae in the painting brought out its intricate details.
3. The contract included an extensive section outlining the minutiae of the agreement.
4. The writer meticulously described the minutiae of the character's daily routine.
5. The professor's lecture covered the broad concepts as well as the minutiae of the subject.
6. The architect paid careful attention to the minutiae of the building's design, ensuring every detail was perfect.

Origin and Etymology of Minutiae

The noun 'minutiae' has its etymological origins in Latin. It is the plural form of the Latin word 'minutia,' which means 'smallness' or 'pettiness.' The term is derived from 'minutus,' the past participle of 'minuere,' meaning 'to make small' or 'to lessen.' In its original sense, 'minutiae' referred to small or minor details, often considered insignificant or trivial, which were frequently overlooked or ignored. This etymology underscores the concept of focusing on the small or petty aspects of something, reflecting the historical use of 'minutiae' to describe the fine, often overlooked details that make up a larger whole.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding 

Find the correct meaning of the noun minutiae:

Try Again!

Correct!

More Usage Examples of Minutiae

1. The historian studied historical documents to uncover the minutiae of the event.
2. The chef's culinary expertise extended to the minutiae of ingredient selection and preparation techniques.
3. The expert seamstress focused on the minutiae of stitching and fabric selection to create flawless garments.
4. The photographer's keen eye captured the minutiae of everyday life in stunning detail.
5. The project manager meticulously planned every minutiae of the project to ensure its success.
6. The accountant reviewed the financial records, carefully examining the minutiae of every transaction.
7. The lawyer analyzed the case, paying close attention to the minutiae of the legal arguments.
8. The researcher conducted experiments, recording the minutiae of each observation and measurement.
9. The student struggled to grasp the big picture, getting lost in the minutiae of the subject matter.
10. The travel blogger shared tips about the minutiae of traveling, such as packing hacks and navigating local customs.
11. The scientist focused on the minutiae of cellular processes, aiming to uncover new insights.
12. The designer meticulously considered the minutiae of color combinations and typography in the logo design.
13. The analyst sifted through data, searching for patterns in the minutiae to make informed decisions.
14. The botanist's study delved into the minutiae of plant anatomy, examining each intricate detail.
15. He was known for his attention to minutiae.
16. The detective focused on the minutiae of the crime scene.
17. The scientist was lost in the minutiae of her research.
18. She was frustrated by the minutiae of the paperwork.
19. The artist was obsessed with the minutiae of the brushstrokes.
20. He was impressed by her knowledge of the minutiae of the industry.
21. The lawyer was skilled at finding the minutiae in the contract.
22. She was overwhelmed by the minutiae of the project.
23. The historian was fascinated by the minutiae of the past.
24. The accountant was meticulous with the minutiae of the finances.
25. The designer paid attention to the minutiae of the details.
26. The teacher was strict about the minutiae of the grammar.

Practice minutiae: Flashcards, Spelling & Quizzes

Study with flashcards, practice spelling, then take a quiz to check your understanding:

SAT 12 (Scholastic Assessment Test)

Better Words Logo

Choose an activity:

Spelling Bee quiz icon
yd0sPOsj6uzcpaR_aV1lb-transformed.webp
Opposite Words quiz icon
Same or Different quiz icon

Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

 147 categorized lessons, 428 practical activities, 632 pages.

Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.​​​​​​​​

Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT

bottom of page