If you pronounce this word with the accent on the first syllable (MIN-it), minute refers to a unit of time. A minute is one-sixtieth of an hour. And a second is one-sixtieth of a minute. Which places the minute right in the middle.

If you pronounce this word with the accent on the second syllable (mi-NOOT), however, minute refers to something very small, tiny, microscopic or to something insignificant.

Often a minute (MIN-it) seems minute (mi-NOOT) when you try to get too much done at one time. Like when you are late for work in the morning.