Minimal vs. Nominal: What’s the Difference?

Minimal vs. Nominal: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the Difference: Minimal vs. Nominal

Word History

The word minimal comes from “minimus,” which is a Latin word meaning “smallest.” It has been used in English since the 1900s to refer to the least amount of something.

The word nominal comes from the Latin word “nomen,” meaning “name.” In English, it has been used since the 1500s. “Nominal” usually refers to something that exists only in name or is very small compared to what is expected.

How to Use Them

When we use minimal, it means the least amount possible. For example, if you do minimal work, you do just the very basics.

When we use nominal, it means something that is very small or just in name. For example, a nominal fee might be a very small cost you have to pay.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Remember: Minimal is about the minimum. It relates to quantity. Nominal refers to being just in nome or having little substance or value.

Example Sentences: Minimal

• She used a minimal amount of paint to finish the picture.
• The teacher gave us a minimal amount of homework.
• With minimal effort, he was able to clean his room.
• The car uses a minimal amount of fuel.
• We need a minimal budget to start the project.

Example Sentences: Nominal

• They charged a nominal fee to enter the museum.
• His role in the event was nominal, just for show.
• The damages were nominal; nothing major was broken.
• The changes to the plan were nominal.
• She was the nominal head of the team.

Summary

To summarize, minimal is about the smallest amount or degree of something, showing quantity. Nominal, on the other hand, can mean something very small compared to what is usual or expected or something that exists in name only.