If you pronounce this word with the accent on the first syllable (MIN-it), minute
refers to a unit of time. A minute is one-sixtieth of an hour. And a second is
one-sixtieth of a minute. Which places the minute right in the middle.
If you pronounce this word with the accent on the second syllable (mi-NOOT),
however, minute refers to something very small, tiny, microscopic or to
something insignificant.
Often a minute (MIN-it) seems minute (mi-NOOT) when you try to get too much
done at one time. Like when you are late for work in the morning.
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