Plus minus
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What it means
Exactly like the mathematical term, this phrase is used in everyday speech to mean “more or less” or “approximately.” It is a quick and efficient way to provide an estimate. If someone asks how long a task will take, you might answer: “Plus minus dwie godziny.”
Vocabulary
- plus — plus
- minus — minus
- około — about / approximately
Grammar note
This is a fixed adverbial phrase. Unlike 'mniej więcej,' which is purely Polish, 'plus minus' is a Latin loanword used globally but very frequent in Polish conversation.
Cultural context
This is perfectly neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It's especially popular in technical or business environments.
Beginner
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