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minimum

minimum

noun mee-nee-MOM Rare

Origin: Latin minimum, neuter of minimus (smallest)

Also means

least

Usage Note

Minimum is masculine and can also function as an invariable adjective (le salaire minimum). The plural is most commonly minimums in modern usage, though minima (the Latin plural) appears in technical and scientific writing. The everyday phrase au minimum means 'at least'.

Examples

"Il faut au minimum deux heures."

Natural Translation

It takes at least two hours.

Literal Translation

It takes at minimum two hours.

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