minutiae

American  

[mi-noo-shee-ee, -nyoo-, mi-noo-shuh, -shee-uh] / mɪˈnu ʃiˌi, -ˈnyu-, mɪˈnu ʃə, -ʃi ə /

plural noun

singular

minutia

1. precise details; small or trifling matters.

   the minutiae of his craft.

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minutiae British  

/ mɪˈnjuːʃɪˌiː /

plural noun

1. small, precise, or trifling details

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Usage

Minutia, the singular form meaning “a precise detail; a small or trifling matter” is much less common than the plural. However, this singular form is often used in place of the plural form minutiae , with the same plural meaning and plural verb: She has a great facility for remembering minutia that are relevant to the conversation. And the plural form minutiae is sometimes used as a collective noun with a singular verb: The minutiae of daily life is the stuff that anchors us and gives us a sense of purpose. Both of these usages have been criticized in style guides.

Other Word Forms

• minutial adjective

Etymology

Origin of minutiae

First recorded in 1745–55; from Latin, plural of minūtia “smallness, fineness,” equivalent to minūt(us) “small, tiny” + -ia; minute ², -ia

Example Sentences

Big picture stuff can be just as helpful as the minutiae.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

Having dealt with the minutiae of the tactical approach he switched and started to deal with the emotion of the day.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

Gorsuch at first refused to believe him, claiming greater expertise in the minutiae of the Mississippi code.

From Slate • Mar. 23, 2026

The lineup didn’t include any active college athletes, but let’s not get caught up in minutiae, what would college athletes have to offer about any of this.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

“Physically, chemically, historically—” “Historically,” he grinned, “Astound me with your grasp of historical minutiae, E’lir.”

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

Related Words

• trivia