French word

moindre

Pronunciation

IPA/mwɛ̃dʁ/

Meaning

  • adjectiveslightest

Example

C'est le moindre des problèmes.

It is the least serious of the problems.

Illustration for moindre (slightest)

More examples

Je n'ai pas la moindre idée.

I don't have the slightest idea.

Core concept

A point near the bottom of a scale, barely standing out beside something greater.

Common phrases

  • le moindre détail

    the slightest detail

  • à la moindre erreur

    at the slightest mistake

  • sans le moindre doute

    without the slightest doubt

Similar words

négligeable: So small that it does not require consideration or action.
insignifiant: Of little importance or impact and not worth concern.
petit: Small in size or amount.

Definition in French

Indique qu'une chose a une importance ou un degré très faible par rapport à une autre.

Word origin

French moindre comes from Old French meindre, descended from Latin minor, the comparative form meaning 'smaller'.

Usage tips

  • Moindre is an adjective that directly modifies a noun, while moins usually functions as an adverb or noun-related quantity word.

Other meanings

  • leastadjective
  • lessadjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word