Minute or moment?

[starone]

I know this is complete trivia, but what is the difference between a minute and a moment? 'Half a mo', 'just a minute', 'won't take a moment'. Is there a difference in time scale?

[MarkRae]

A moment is an indeterminate short period of time. A minute can also have this meaning, but has the additional definition of a specific period i.e. sixty seconds.

[sandyRoe]

Isn't a minute 60 seconds? A moment might be just a few seconds.

[jno]

on London tube station clocks a minute may be up to about 138 seconds

[starone]

Thanks Mark, I knew you would know the answer.

[starone]

And everyone else of course. So if I need to be non-specific I can use the word moment. Great.

[commoner]

No difference in the context of your question but as Mark and Sandy say a minute is a specific time period ....

[MarkRae]

Also, moment means other things in other contexts. You might look back and consider that a certain event was "the greatest moment of your life" - you couldn't really use "minute" in that context, unless it really was precisely a minute long!

Moment can also convey the meaning of importance, e.g. "virtue is of more moment than security". It also has scientific definitions which have nothing to do with time...

[erin-x]

According to most people I know, "In a minute!" is my favourite saying. It usually lasts longer than a minute in my case :D

[starone]

Oh yes, Mark, thanks for that. I hadn't considered the other meanings. We live and learn.

[anneasquith]

i^ll see you in a wee minute, as opposed to in a moment!

[commoner]

"Melting Moments"..one of my favourite sweets...er....think it took roughly a minute ton eat one...or should that be a few moments...mmm...?