Minimalnie

Minimalnie is a Polish adverb meaning to the smallest extent or in a minimal way. It describes the degree to which an action is performed or a quality is present, signaling that something is reduced or limited to the minimum.

Etymology: The word is derived from the adjective minimalny (minimal) with the adverbial suffix -nie; the root traces back to the word minimum, borrowed into Polish from Latin. This formation is typical for adverbs that express degree or manner.

Usage: Minimalnie is used to modify verbs and, less commonly, clauses that express the extent of an action or outcome. In many cases, speakers prefer the phrase w minimalnym stopniu (to a minimal degree) when referring to a quality, while minimalnie appears more often when focusing on the action itself. It is common in formal or technical writing, including cost, risk, and performance discussions, as well as research or policy texts.

Examples:

- Koszty zostały minimalnie podniesione w porównaniu z budżetem. (Costs were increased minimally compared with the budget.)

- Projekt został oceniony minimalnie pod kątem ryzyka. (The project was evaluated minimally in terms of risk.)

- Zmiany w systemie wpływają na wydajność jedynie w minimalnym stopniu. (The changes affect performance only to a minimal degree.)

Notes: While minimalnie is understood in standard Polish, the phrase in minimalnym stopniu is often preferred when describing the degree of a quality, whereas minimalnie more readily applies to actions or events described by the verb.