minor

As a noun, 'minor' refers primarily to a person who is under the legal age of adult responsibility, and therefore legally considered a child. This specific legal sense of 'minor' often does not have a single-word direct equivalent in other languages, requiring a descriptive phrase. It can also refer to a person of lesser importance, rank, or status, or someone who pursues an activity or subject with limited skill or seriousness, often as a dabbler.

• The contract signed by the minor was not legally binding without parental consent. — This example illustrates the legal definition of a person under the age of majority.
• He considered himself a minor in the world of professional tennis, still working his way up. — This example shows 'minor' referring to someone of lesser importance or status in a field.
• She was just a minor character in the play, with only a few lines. — This example uses 'minor' to describe someone of secondary importance.

As an adjective, 'minor' describes something that is of lesser importance, significance, or severity when compared to something else. It can also mean smaller in amount, degree, or size. In music, it relates to a scale or chord structure that typically conveys a more somber or melancholic sound.

• The accident caused only minor damage to the car. — This example signifies a small degree of damage.
• We need to discuss the minor details of the plan before the meeting. — This example refers to less important details.
• The musician played a piece in a minor key, creating a melancholic atmosphere. — This example is used in a musical context to describe a type of scale or key.