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minor in

B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To study a second subject at university, but not as your most important one.

Literal meaning: 'Minor' in academic context means a lesser course of study; 'in' indicates the subject area. Transparent meaning.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To take a secondary academic concentration at university, requiring fewer courses than a major.

"She decided to major in engineering and minor in Spanish to improve her career prospects."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Specific to North American (primarily US and Canadian) higher education. A 'minor' is a smaller concentration of courses than a major. Common in academic and student discourse. Not used in UK or Australian higher education systems, where the concept does not formally apply.

Commonly used with

economics philosophy music history biology psychology

Forms

Base
minor in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
minors in
he/she/it
Past simple
minored in
yesterday
Past participle
minored in
have + pp
-ing form
minoring in
continuous

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Synonyms

have a minor in take a minor in study as a secondary subject

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