minutely
/ˌmaɪn.juˈtli/ IELTSAcademic
adverb
- 1.
In a very detailed way, with careful attention to small parts. It often means something is examined or explained very closely.
- She checked the report minutely.
- He described the problem minutely.
- 2.
By the minute, or in very small amounts or steps. This use is less common in everyday speech.
- The clock was adjusted minutely.
- The shape changed minutely over time.
Adinary Nuance
Minutely is stronger than simply 'carefully'. It means you look at every small detail, not just the main points. It is more formal than 'closely' and more specific than 'carefully'.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- tỉ mỉ
- Spanish
- minuciosamente
- Chinese
- 仔细地
- Japanese
- 細かく
- Korean
- 세밀하게
Etymology
Minutely comes from minute, meaning 'small'. It entered English in the 17th century from Latin minutus, through French. The spelling and meaning connect to small details.
Common phrases
examine minutelydescribe minutelychange minutelyminutely detailed
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is minutely formal or informal?
- It is fairly formal and common in academic or written English.
- How is minutely different from carefully?
- Carefully means with attention. Minutely means with attention to very small details.
- Can I use minutely in speaking?
- Yes, but it sounds formal. People often say 'carefully' or 'closely' in speech.