minimal/minimize/minimum

minimal /ˈmini(ə)məl/ adj. 最小的，最低限度的：Fortunately, the storm only did minimal damage to the farmer’s crops. 幸好，暴风雨给农民的庄稼只有很小程度的损害。

 minimize/minimise⁶ /ˈminimaiz/ vt. 1. 使减少(或缩小)到最低限度：minimize friction 使摩擦减到最低限度；to minimize formalities 使仪式减到最简单的程度［考句］The fire has caused great losses, but the factory tried to minimize the consequences by saying that the damage was not as serious as reported.大火引起了巨大损失，但厂方为了尽可能减轻后果，说损失并没有报道的那么严重。2. 极力贬低，作最低估计：Don’t minimize the risks.不要低估危险。I don’t want to minimize your services. 我不想贬低你的服务质量。

 minimum /ˈminiməm/ I. n. ［c］( pl. minima /ˈminimə/或minimums) 最低限度，最少量： reduce sth. to a minimum. 把某物减少到最小限度 We will try to keep the cost of repairs down to a minimum. 我们将尽量使修理费用减到最低。‖II. adj. 最低的，最小的：a minimum dose 最小剂量；a minimum wage 法定最低限度工资