de minimis

Definition

Concerning things that are so minor as to be negligible, trivial, or trifling. Often used to describe exemptions in government rules and regulations.

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin de minimīs, ablative of minimus (“smallest, least”); shortened form of the legal maxim de minimis non curat lex (literally “the law does not concern itself with trifling matters”).

Example Sentences

• "The tax is not payable on amounts below the de minimis limit of £100 per year."
• "The de minimis rules on import duty mean that alcohol for personal consumption is exempt from any charge."
• "On Tuesday, the US Postal Service briefly halted all incoming packages from China and Hong Kong after Trump ended a de minimis provision that allowed low-value packages from China to enter the US duty-free."