Minutiae

Minutiae (pronounced /mɪˈnjuːʃiːaɪ/) refers to the small, precise, or trivial details of something. It emphasizes an attention to the finest points and often implies a focus on details that might be overlooked or deemed insignificant by others.

These intricate particulars collectively contribute to a larger entity, event, or situation. The term can be used in a critical manner to imply an excessive focus on trivialities, thereby obscuring more significant aspects, or neutrally to describe an exhaustive exploration of the details of a subject.

It stems from the Latin word "minutus," meaning "small.". .

Minutiae meaning with examples

• The historian delved into the minutiae of daily life during the Victorian era, uncovering fascinating details about household finances and social customs, which brought their study of the time to a new level. The detailed investigation into these minutiae painted a vivid picture, and the historical book became a bestseller.
• A surgeon pays meticulous attention to the minutiae of the operation, ensuring every stitch is placed with precision. Any minor deviations from procedure could have fatal results. Success hinges on a mastery of the minute details of the surgical methods.
• The artist focused on the minutiae of each brushstroke, the subtle gradations of color, and the texture of the canvas, painstakingly crafting a masterpiece. Their dedication to the minutiae showed in their work, which earned them much respect and recognition.
• The detective examined the crime scene, obsessively collecting and cataloging the minutiae: the type of dust, the angle of the shadows, and the position of every object. These small details, when combined, assisted the investigation and helped to find the guilty party.