minor
UK: ˈmaɪnə | US: ˈmaɪnər
adj. lesser in importance, size, or degree
n. a person under the legal age of adulthood
n. (music) a minor key or scale
adj. (education) relating to a secondary academic subject
The word minor traces back to Latin minor, meaning "smaller" or "less," derived from the Proto-Indo-European root mei- (to lessen). It entered English via Old French menor in the 13th century, retaining its comparative sense. The musical term emerged in the 17th century, contrasting with major scales.
She chose to pursue a minor in psychology alongside her biology degree.
The accident caused only minor damage to the car.
In music theory, a minor chord often sounds melancholic.
Minors must be accompanied by an adult to enter the venue.
The differences between the two proposals are relatively minor.