Mince

The word "mince" carries multiple meanings, primarily relating to finely chopping or grinding food. It describes the process of reducing something to very small pieces, often with a knife or a meat grinder. Metaphorically, "mince" can also refer to a delicate or affected manner of speaking or behaving, sometimes seen as artificial or overly refined. Furthermore, in archaic usage, it could indicate an attempt to soften or moderate the impact of something harsh or unpleasant. This versatility allows "mince" to describe physical actions, behavioral styles, and stylistic choices.

Mince meaning with examples

• The chef used a sharp knife to mince the garlic, ensuring it was finely chopped for the sauce. It added just enough to elevate the sauce to something wonderful. Mincing by hand takes practice, but delivers superior taste. The tiny pieces permeated the entire flavor profile, making everything balance better than ever before. This is a classic example, with excellent flavor.
• She carefully minced the onions for the salsa, wanting to achieve a uniform texture. The goal here was to allow all the flavors to mix with perfection. Careful mincing allows for complete balance, where the onions disappear. Blended or diced would not deliver the right result. The end result was a delicious, vibrant salsa.
• The detective, with a theatrical flourish, minced across the crime scene, feigning disinterest. It was a way to lull the suspects. He was hoping to distract them. The goal was to reveal any sign of weakness or discomfort. His objective was to see how the people really felt. The behavior was, however, counter-productive.
• Despite the severity of the situation, he tried to mince his words, avoiding direct criticism. Softening things was his method. He would attempt to be less direct. His goal was to create the most positive outcome. He did not want anyone to be upset. This approach often backfired.
• The old-fashioned recipe called for the baker to mince the suet before adding it to the pastry. It was a long process. But it added such good flavor. He then mixed it with butter and flour. It needed to have a unique texture. The suet would help make it melt. It would then provide a flaky result.