Lastminute is a compound word made up of two separate words 'last' and 'minute'. It refers to doing something at the eleventh hour or just before a deadline. The word is pronounced as /læstˈmɪnɪt/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet wherein 'last' is pronounced as /læst/ and 'minute' as /ˈmɪnɪt/. While the spelling of 'last' is straightforward, the spelling of 'minute' is derived from its Latin origin, where it was spelled as 'minutus'. Hence, the 'u' in 'minute' is silent in English pronunciation.
Lastminute is an adjective that describes an action, decision, or event that happens or is made at the final moments or just before a specific deadline. It refers to something that is done hastily or urgently, typically due to limited time or procrastination. The term can be used to emphasize the short amount of time left before a particular event or deadline, often implying that there was not sufficient time to plan or prepare adequately.
In various contexts, "lastminute" commonly refers to a booking, reservation, purchase, or arrangement made shortly before the desired time or date. This term is frequently associated with travel, wherein individuals make last-minute travel plans or book flights, accommodations, or holiday packages at the eleventh hour.
The connotation of "lastminute" can imply a sense of urgency or rushed decision-making, as it suggests that the individual or group involved did not have the luxury of time to carefully consider various options or alternatives. Consequently, lastminute actions often involve limited choices and are often undertaken without thorough research or extensive thought.
Due to its popularity, various industries have capitalized on the concept of last-minute deals or offers, providing discounts or special promotions specifically targeting those who make impulsive decisions or those who have unexpected changes in their plans.
The word "lastminute" is a compound word made up of two separate words: "last" and "minute".
- "Last" originates from the Old English word "latost", which means "last, latest", derived from the Old English word "laetst", meaning "latest, most recent, coming after all others". It is also related to the Old Norse word "lost" with a similar meaning. The root of the word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*laistaz".
- "Minute" comes from the Old French word "minut" or "minute", which means "minute, small" and can be traced back to the Latin word "minutus", meaning "small, little". The term "minutus" is the past participle of the verb "minuere", which means "to lessen, reduce, diminish".