Minor Meaning
Minor Definition & Usage
Referring to someone or something that is legally under the age of majority, typically 18 in many countries, and therefore not yet an adult with full legal rights and responsibilities.
Examples
- "He was a minor at the time of the accident, so his parents were responsible for the damages."
- "In some countries, a minor cannot sign a contract without parental consent."
- "She was arrested, but because she was a minor, her case was handled in juvenile court."
- "The legal drinking age is 21 in the US, meaning that anyone younger is considered a minor."
- "Minors are not allowed to make certain legal decisions, like voting or owning property."
Describing something of lesser importance, smaller scale, or lesser significance compared to another thing.
Examples
- "The damage to the car was minor and could be easily repaired."
- "His role in the project was minor, as he only helped with a few tasks."
- "There was a minor delay due to the weather, but it didn't affect the schedule much."
- "The company is facing minor setbacks in production, but nothing too serious."
- "Although her injury was minor, she still needed medical attention."
A person who is under the legal age of majority and therefore lacks full legal rights.
Examples
- "Minors are not allowed to drive without an adult present in many states."
- "The school has a policy for minors, ensuring they receive consent from their parents for certain activities."
- "The company was fined for employing minors during school hours."
- "Parents are responsible for their minors' actions when they are under 18."
- "In some countries, a minor cannot be held accountable for crimes in the same way as an adult."
Cultural Context
The word 'minor' has its origins in Latin, from the word 'minor', meaning 'smaller' or 'lesser'. Historically, it referred to someone or something of lesser importance or status. Over time, it came to be used in legal and social contexts to describe individuals who are not yet considered adults.
A Minor Setback
Story
A Minor Setback
It was a quiet summer afternoon when Sarah, a bright-eyed sixteen-year-old, walked into the office of the local lawyer. She had just received a letter from the school, notifying her of a small legal matter regarding her summer job. 'It's not a big deal, just a minor issue,' Sarah's mother reassured her as they sat down, trying to keep the mood light. The lawyer, Mr. Thompson, gave a reassuring smile. 'At your age, Sarah, you're still considered a minor. That means you can't sign this employment contract without parental consent.' As Sarah looked at the paperwork in front of her, she felt a little frustrated. She had been excited to start her first job, but now this minor setback was standing in her way. However, Mr. Thompson explained that the issue was relatively minor in the grand scheme of things. 'It's just a technicality,' he said. 'Once we get your mom's signature, everything will be sorted.' Outside the office, Sarah tried to shake off the annoyance. The job would still be waiting for her once all the paperwork was done, and the issue seemed so insignificant now. She couldn't help but feel that being treated as a minor sometimes made things more complicated than they needed to be. But as the afternoon sun bathed the city in a warm glow, she decided it was just another part of growing up. On her way home, she passed a playground where younger children were playing. In the midst of it all, she realized how different her life felt compared to theirs. In just a few years, she'd no longer be a minor, and perhaps these small challenges would no longer be an issue. But for now, it was just another step in the process of becoming an adult.
Related Words
