preposition

minus

minus, less, without

Five minus two is three.

Five minus two is three.

The temperature is minus ten degrees.

The temperature is minus ten degrees.

He came back minus his wallet.

He came back minus his wallet.

((number)) minus ((number)) used to show subtraction Five minus two is three.

minus ((number)) below zero The temperature is minus ten degrees.

Synonyms: less, without; Antonyms: plus, add

From Latin 'minus', meaning 'less', the neuter form of 'minor' meaning 'smaller'.

Think of the minus sign (-) used in mathematics for subtraction. It represents taking something away or a reduction.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.