microscopic

Meanings

1. 1adjectivenot comparable

   so small that it can only be seen with a microscope

   Grammar: Often used before a noun: microscopic organisms.

   Patterns

   • microscopic organisms
   • microscopic particles
   • microscopic examination

   The pond water is full of microscopic algae.

   Dust mites are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye.

   The doctor took a microscopic sample for testing.

2. 2adjectivecomparableinformal

   extremely small, often used for emphasis

   Grammar: Can be used hyperbolically: a microscopic amount of money.

   Patterns

   • microscopic amount
   • microscopic detail
   • microscopic chance

   The restaurant serves microscopic portions at high prices.

   There's only a microscopic difference between the two versions.

   He had a microscopic chance of winning the lottery.

3. 3adjectivenot comparabletechnical

   relating to a microscope or its use

   Grammar: Used in scientific contexts: microscopic analysis.

   Patterns

   • microscopic analysis
   • microscopic study
   • microscopic technique

   The microscopic analysis revealed the presence of bacteria.

   She performed a microscopic study of the crystal structure.

   Microscopic techniques have advanced greatly in recent years.

Word forms

Common combinations

microscopic organisms

Microscopic organisms play a vital role in the ocean's ecosystem.

microscopic examination

A microscopic examination of the tissue showed no abnormalities.

microscopic detail

The painting is accurate down to microscopic detail.

microscopic particles

The air filter traps microscopic particles like pollen and dust.

Synonyms and how they differ

tiny

General word for very small; microscopic implies too small to be seen without a microscope or is used hyperbolically.

minute

Formal and means extremely small; microscopic often suggests a scientific context or exaggeration.

infinitesimal

Extremely small, almost zero; more technical and often used in mathematics.

Opposites

Word family

microscope noun

An instrument used to see very small objects.

microscopy noun

The use of a microscope for scientific study.

microscopically adverb

In a microscopic way; on a very small scale.

Commonly confused: microscopic or macroscopic?

Practice

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