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minuscule

minuscule

7.4
A small letter used instead of a capital letter
  • noun
  • /ˈmɪnəˌskjul/
  • Specialized
translation icon : minúscula
  • The medieval manuscript was written entirely in minuscule, making it more compact.

Examples

  • Modern editors often distinguish between minuscule and majuscule forms when transcribing ancient texts.

  • The introduction of minuscule letters greatly improved the legibility and speed of writing.

  • The letter 'a' is a minuscule character.

  • Can you write in minuscule letters?

  • Modern editors often distinguish between minuscule and majuscule forms when transcribing ancient texts.

  • The introduction of minuscule letters greatly improved the legibility and speed of writing.

  • The letter 'a' is a minuscule character.

Synonyms

lowercase
vsminuscule
9 1.9

The small letters of the alphabet, not capital letters

stresses historical typographic contrast with uppercase letters
small letter
vsminuscule
1 1.9

A letter that is not a capital letter

emphasizes historical typographic distinction rather than general writing use
lower-case letter
vsminuscule
1 1.0

A small letter of the alphabet that is not a capital

focuses on the older typographic distinction rather than only modern usage

Antonyms

majuscule
  • Specialized
8.4

A large capital letter used at the start of names or sentences

Surface Forms

minuscule singular
minuscule plural

Etymology

Minuscule as a noun means a 'lowercase' letter. The name comes from Latin minus 'less', so a minuscule is the smaller form of a letter.