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Minimum vs Optimum - What's the difference?

minimum | optimum |

As nouns the difference between minimum and optimum

is that minimum is the lowest limit while optimum is the best or most favorable condition, or the greatest amount or degree possible under specific sets of comparable circumstances.

As adjectives the difference between minimum and optimum

is that minimum is to the lowest degree while optimum is best or most advantageous; surpassing all others.

minimum

English

Noun

(en-noun)
  • The lowest limit.
  • We prefer candidates with a minimum of 4 years experience in the field.
    We need a minimum of 3 fully-qualified staff members on duty at all time.
  • The smallest amount.
  • He always tries to get away with doing the minimum .
    Please keep noise to a minimum after 11 o'clock
  • (astronomy) A period of minimum brightness or energy intensity (of a star).
  • (analysis) A lower bound of a set which is also an element of that set.
  • (statistics) The smallest member of a batch or sample or the lower bound of a probability distribution.
  • Usage notes

    * (term) is more common plural for the technical senses.

    Antonyms

    * maximum

    Hypernyms

    * (statistics) measure of location

    Derived terms

    (terms derived from minimum) * bare minimum * global minimum * local minimum * Maunder minimum * minimum wage * moral minimum

    Adjective

    (-)
  • To the lowest degree.
  • optimum

    English

    Noun

    (en-noun)
  • The best or most favorable condition, or the greatest amount or degree possible under specific sets of comparable circumstances.
  • Derived terms

    * global optimum * local optimum

    Adjective

    (head)
  • best or most advantageous; surpassing all others