mince

[mins]

verb (used with object)

minced, mincing 

1. to cut or chop into very small pieces.

2. to soften, moderate, or weaken (one's words), especially for the sake of decorum or courtesy.

3. to perform or utter with affected elegance.

4. to subdivide minutely, as land or a topic for study.

verb (used without object)

minced, mincing 

1. to walk or move with short, affectedly dainty steps.

2. Archaic.,  to act or speak with affected elegance.

noun

1. something cut up very small; mincemeat.

mince

/ mɪns /

verb

1. (tr) to chop, grind, or cut into very small pieces

2. (tr) to soften or moderate, esp for the sake of convention or politeness

   I didn't mince my words

3. (intr) to walk or speak in an affected dainty manner

noun

1. minced meat

2. informal,  nonsensical rubbish

Other Word Forms

• mincer noun
• unminced adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mince¹

1350–1400; Middle English mincen < Middle French minc ( i ) er < Vulgar Latin *minūtiāre to mince; minute ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of mince¹

C14: from Old French mincier, from Vulgar Latin minūtiāre (unattested), from Late Latin minūtia smallness; see _minutiae

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. not mince words / matters, to speak directly and frankly; be blunt or outspoken.

   He was angry and didn't mince words.

Example Sentences

“I’m not mincing words, you strange old man. I’m minding my own business, and you should mind yours.”

Read more on Literature

He read from the letter in a mincing voice.

Read more on Literature

But he didn’t mince words in describing how airlines became a bargaining chip during the shutdown negotiations.

Read more on MarketWatch

Retail prices for beef mince rose 12.9% in the 12 months to September, and beef steaks were up 16.6%, according to government data published in October.

Read more on BBC

On Wednesday night, the shortstop did not mince words about his recent offensive struggles, saying he has “just been terrible” after batting .164 in 13 games since the start of the National League Division Series.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• crumble 
• grind