minimal distinctions
[/ˈmɪnɪməl dɪˈstɪŋkʃənz/]
noun phrase
distinções mínimas
1. Small or subtle differences between two or more things; the smallest perceivable variations that set things apart
The minimal distinctions between the two paint colors made it difficult to choose which one to use.
As distinções mínimas entre as duas cores de tinta tornaram difícil escolher qual usar.
2. In linguistics, the smallest phonetic or phonological differences that change meaning between words
Linguists study minimal distinctions to understand how sounds differentiate meaning in language.
Linguistas estudam distinções mínimas para entender como sons diferenciam significado na linguagem.
3. In semantics, marginal or negligible differences in meaning or interpretation
There are only minimal distinctions between these two definitions in the thesaurus.
Existem apenas distinções mínimas entre essas duas definições no dicionário de sinônimos.
This term is commonly used in linguistic and academic discussions in both Brazil and the USA. In Brazilian education, 'distinções mínimas' is frequently employed in language studies and phonetics courses. The concept is also relevant in quality control and product design contexts where precision matters.
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