• Minute (tiny) – Adjective

• Minute (a unit of time) – Noun

Pronunciation

These words are heteronyms, meaning they are spelled the same but pronounced differently and have different meanings.

• Minute (Adjective): Pronounced /maɪˈnuːt/ (MY-noot) — Tiny.

• Minute (Noun): Pronounced /ˈmɪnɪt/ (MIN-it) — 60 seconds.

Listen to the audio. Notice how the pronunciation changes based on the meaning.

What makes them different is your intonation, expression, and context, or the other words in the sentence.

Instruction

Read each sentence aloud and practice identifying the meaning of "minute" in context.
Can you tell which “minute” is being mentioned as you read each sentence?

Example Sentences

1. The minute details of the painting amazed the art critics.
   a. Tiny
   b. A unit of time

2. Please wait a minute; I’ll be right with you.
   a. Tiny
   b. A unit of time

3. The insect was so minute that I needed a magnifying glass to see it.
   a. Tiny
   b. A unit of time

4. It will only take a minute to finish this task.
   a. Tiny
   b. A unit of time

5. The scientist recorded every minute change in the experiment.
   a. Tiny
   b. A unit of time

6. The train will arrive in just a minute.
   a. Tiny
   b. A unit of time

7. The diamond’s minute flaw could only be seen under a microscope.
   a. Tiny
   b. A unit of time

8. She explained the plan in minute detail to ensure everyone understood.
   a. Tiny
   b. A unit of time

9. Can you give me a minute to gather my thoughts?
   a. Tiny
   b. A unit of time

10. The technician examined the minute particles under the lens.
    a. Tiny
    b. A unit of time

Answers

1. a

2. b

3. a

4. b

5. a

6. b

7. a

8. a

9. b

10. a

Intonation

Instructions: Intonation is controlling the rise and fall of your voice. When we do this with words and phrases, we send the listener a specific message.

Minute (tiny)

1. The minute details of the design were impressive. (Stress minute to highlight its intricacy.)

2. He discovered a minute crack in the glass. (Emphasize minute to show its smallness.)

3. The diamond’s minute flaw was barely noticeable. (Highlight minute to indicate how tiny it was.)

Minute (a unit of time)

1. Please give me a minute to finish this task. (Stress minute to indicate the short time needed.)

2. The train will leave in exactly one minute. (Highlight minute to show urgency.)

3. It took just a minute to fix the issue. (Emphasize minute to show how quickly it happened.)

Expression

The following explains how stressing or emphasizing the bolded words alters the tone or focus of the sentence and offers some helpful tips. Practice stressing these words when speaking.

Minute (tiny):

1. Minute detail: Focuses on precision or intricacy.

   • Tip: Highlight detail to emphasize thoroughness.

   • Sentence: The engineer focused on every minute detail of the blueprint.

2. Minute particle: Suggests something very small.

   • Tip: Stress particle to show the size.

   • Sentence: The scientist examined the minute particles under the microscope.

3. Minute flaw: Refers to a small imperfection.

   • Tip: Highlight flaw to indicate the issue.

   • Sentence: The jeweler spotted a minute flaw in the gemstone.

Minute (a unit of time):

1. Just a minute: Implies a very short period of time.

   • Tip: Stress just to indicate it won’t take long.

   • Sentence: Please wait just a minute while I get my notebook.

2. One minute: Specifies a precise duration.

   • Tip: Highlight one to emphasize the exact time.

   • Sentence: The elevator will arrive in one minute.

3. Take a minute: Suggests pausing briefly.

   • Tip: Stress take to encourage the break.

   • Sentence: Let’s take a minute to review the instructions.

Things to Remember:

The word "minute" is used in different contexts:

• Minute (tiny): Works with phrases like "minute detail," "minute particle," or "minute flaw."

  • Example: The technician focused on every minute detail of the repair.

• Minute (a unit of time): Commonly paired with "just a minute," "one minute," or "take a minute."

  • Example: It will only take one minute to complete the form.