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Small word, big mistake: the "miniscule" error
Lloyd Cooper 25/11/2024, 09:01English.me team member
What kind of error is it?
It's a spelling error.
Why do people make this mistake?
People often assume the word is related to the prefix "mini-" meaning small, leading them to spell it as "miniscule". In reality, "minuscule" is derived from the Latin word "minus" meaning "less", which is why the correct spelling includes a "u" after the "n".
What is correct?
The correct spelling is "minuscule", which is an adjective meaning extremely small or tiny.
Examples of correct usage
- The chances of winning the lottery are minuscule.
- Scientists observed the minuscule organisms under the microscope.
- She received a minuscule amount of compensation for her efforts.
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