minute crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "minute crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide all possible solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.

Solutions for "minute crossword clue" by Letter Count

4 Letters

TINY: Often used as an adjective meaning extremely small, directly aligning with one common interpretation of 'minute'.

NANO: A prefix denoting extremely small size, often used in scientific contexts to describe something minute.

5 Letters

EXACT: When 'minute' refers to precision or careful detail, 'exact' is a fitting synonym.

SMALL: A general term for something not large, which can be clued by 'minute' in its diminutive sense.

PEWEE: An informal term for something very small or insignificant, fitting for a 'minute' clue.

6 Letters

MOMENT: If 'minute' refers to a brief period of time, 'moment' is a common and accurate answer.

LITTLE: Can refer to something small in size or amount, or a short duration, covering both primary meanings of 'minute'.

SLIGHT: Denotes something small in degree or amount, subtle, aligning with the "minute" meaning of barely perceptible.

7 Letters

INSTANT: Similar to 'moment', referring to a very short space of time, often clued by 'minute' as in 'just a minute'.

TRIVIAL: Of little value or importance, linking to the idea of something being 'minute' or insignificant.

8 Letters

DETAILED: When referring to 'minute' observations or descriptions, it implies a thorough and comprehensive account.

13 Letters

INFINITESIMAL: Meaning extremely small, often too small to be measured, a perfect fit for the 'minute' (my-NOOT) adjective.

More About "minute crossword clue"

The word "minute" is a notorious crossword homograph, meaning it's spelled the same but has different meanings and pronunciations. This makes it a favorite among crossword setters for creating tricky clues. On one hand, "minute" (pronounced /ˈmɪnɪt/) refers to a unit of time, equal to sixty seconds. On the other, "minute" (pronounced /maɪˈnjuːt/) is an adjective meaning extremely small, precise, or detailed, as in "minute particles" or "minute attention to detail."

When you encounter "minute" as a clue, the first step is to consider which of these two core meanings the setter is aiming for. The surrounding words in the clue are your best friends here. Phrases like "brief period," "short while," or "sixty seconds" clearly point to the time-related noun. Conversely, clues mentioning "tiny," "small detail," "precise," or "finely divided" indicate the adjective referring to size or meticulousness. Also, pay close attention to the number of letters in the required answer; different lengths often align with one meaning more than another.

This duality is what makes "minute" such a satisfying clue to solve once you grasp the distinction. It forces you to think beyond the most obvious meaning and explore the rich nuances of the English language, a core joy of crossword puzzling. Mastering such homographs significantly enhances your ability to tackle more complex puzzles.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common meanings of 'minute' in crosswords?

The word 'minute' is a classic crossword puzzler because it has two distinct pronunciations and meanings. It can refer to a unit of time (pronounced 'MIN-it', like 60 seconds) or something extremely small, precise, or detailed (pronounced 'my-NOOT', like a minute detail). Crossword setters often leverage this duality to create challenging clues.

How can I tell which meaning of 'minute' is intended by the clue?

Context is key! Look at other words in the clue for hints. If it relates to time ('brief moment', 'sixty seconds'), it likely points to the noun meaning. If it relates to size or precision ('tiny detail', 'very small', 'precise'), it indicates the adjective meaning. The number of letters in the expected answer can also often guide you.

Are there other tricky homographs like 'minute' in crosswords?

Yes, crosswords frequently use homographs (words spelled the same but with different meanings and often different pronunciations). Examples include 'wind' (breeze vs. to coil a clock), 'lead' (a metal vs. to guide), 'bow' (a knot vs. to bend at the waist), and 'read' (present vs. past tense). Always be mindful of alternative interpretations for common words.