What Does It Mean?! 23 Definitions Related To Minimalism

If you’re new around here, you might be finding some words related to minimalism that aren’t in your typical daily vocab. There are some words that I find myself using since starting this blog that I, quite honestly, never used before.

So, I thought I would do you a solid and explain all of the words I notice as “regulars” in the minimalist community. Now, obviously, you probably know some (if not all) of these words already. But, you may not understand how they relate to minimalism and intentional living.

Either way, here goes!

1. Minimalist

Now, you’ll find many definitions from various bloggers about their personal definition of being a minimalist.

In fact, my personal definition of minimalism is "A practice of awareness and intention regarding your belongings, time, and energy."

I like to keep things simple.

So, in that case, a minimalist is one who practices a lifestyle of awareness and intention regarding their belongings, time, and energy.

Now, how much a person chooses to ‘minimize’ or ‘downsize’ their belongings is really up to them. Minimalism and essentialism do tend to overlap, in that many minimalists choose to pare down to the bare essentials – but most don’t live that way.

In fact, I don’t.

I still own 2 televisions and I’m perfectly happy with that. If you want to learn what minimalism is and where it came from, I have an article that dives deeper into that as well.

2. Clutter

Clutter refers to extra, unnecessary belongings, whether hidden away or displayed as a daily tripping hazard. For minimalists, the only way to manage clutter is to get rid of it, not organize and store it. There are many identified psychological effects of clutter.

Now, sure, trash can be clutter if it is being left out and about, but clutter does not only include trash.

In fact, in many cases, minimalists speak of decluttering sentimental items. Again, whether the sentimental item is considered “clutter” is really up to the owner. The point isn’t to be cruel, but to combat overidentifying with belongings to the point of becoming a hoarder of sentimental items.

If a person has chosen to become an essentialist, they may have a personal goal of eliminating all additional belongings. In that case, those additional belongings have become clutter to that person.

3. Purge

To purge, related to minimalism, is to get rid of items. So, if you were purging your kid’s toys, then you would be bagging them up to donate or trash.

To be honest, this is a word that I still don’t feel comfortable with. It just sounds kind of gross to me so I still don’t use it very often. Before minimalism (and the movie, ‘The Purge’), I had really only heard the term referring to bulimia, so it could be triggering to some.

4. Leveling

Leveling is a term used by Joshua Becker in his books and some of his teachings. I’ve heard it repeated and I think it’s a good word, so I put it here.

To level is to move items to another room rather than out of the house. So if you were decluttering your bedroom, you might put things into the guest bedroom for holding.

In Josh’s case, he started doing this as a way to test if he was going to need something or not. It was like purgatory for belongings before totally ditching them.

It’s a good idea, in my opinion. Decluttering to the ‘right amount’ for you can be a balancing act that takes experimentation to get right.

5. Capsule Wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe is currently used to describe a limited wardrobe of versatile items. There are definitely some benefits.

I think it’s interesting that it was originally coined in the 1970s to describe essential items that don’t go out of style and can be used year-round (i.e. making a play on the words “time capsule”).

Nowadays, it’s used to describe a small, interchangeable wardrobe. The longevity of the items isn’t usually a consideration, but the name has held.

6. Mindfulness

The act of being mindful is to be aware of something. To bring it to mind and maybe even focus or meditate on it.

So, if you’re being mindful of your clutter, you’re aware of how much clutter you have, or where you tend to collect it. If you’re being mindful of your significant other, then you might be considering how he or she feels in a certain situation.

Minimalism, in general, is a mindful practice because it’s a practice of awareness in an area.

7. Paring

Paring down, related to minimalism, is referring to slowly removing belongings.

So, paring your belongings is a slow, deliberate removal, usually a little bit at a time.

8. Declutter (Uncluttered)

To declutter is to remove clutter. I’ve seen the term uncluttered – having removed the clutter already – but it doesn’t sound right to my ears for some reason, so I don’t really use it.

I’ve noticed that “declutter” still comes up in red for some spelling apps, although I do see it on Merriam Webster’s dictionary.

If you’re having trouble decluttering, it might help to know why you have so much clutter, to begin with.

9. Intentional Living

To be intentional is to do something on purpose. Minimalist living is considered to be a type of intentional living because you’re living a lifestyle that requires purposeful action.

However, intentional living itself is not directly related to minimalism. It’s also mentioned a lot in biblical circles, although the term is not exclusive to that either.

10. Consumerism

Consumerism was a bit confusing for me for a while. I mean, I could understand that it was related to people buying things and had something to do with our social structure, but other than that I was a little fuzzy.

Turns out that there are multiple definitions of the word and it’s used in different ways to describe very similar topics. It goes to the point that the Association of Consumer Research released a research journal titled “What is consumerism?”

One definition is actually a positive one. It refers to the organized efforts of organizations and groups to promote consumer rights policies and monitor fair business practices. This isn’t usually what you’ll hear people complaining about, obviously.

A more common definition is the belief that the ever-increasing consumption of goods and services makes a sound economy. In other words, buying more and more is good for the economy.

This tends to be the practice here in America, which is why America is considered a “consumerist society”.

And the last definition, the one most commonly related to minimalism, refers to consumerism as buying for the sake of buying, rather than need. Whether it’s keeping up with social standards of living or a factor of human nature to always want more.

This is typically seen as a negative thing. Here’s an article to help you kick the shopping urges.

11. Affluent

Being affluent just means being rich. To have a lot of money.

12. Materialism

Being materialistic means placing a super high value on possessions. A materialistic person might judge others for what they don’t have or be highly money-focused.

13. Contentment

Contentment means to be happy and fully satisfied with where you are and what you have. Related to minimalism, it’s the level you reach when you let go of your belongings and lose the urge to always want more.

14. Simple Living (Simplicity)

Simplicity, or simple living, is typically referred to as getting back to the basics. Minimalism is a type of simple living.

Now, there are many ways that people choose to practice simple living. For example, some try to become as self-sufficient as possible by homesteading or going to zero waste. They try to use or make as many of their own products as possible.

17. Repurpose

To repurpose is to use an item or an area in a new way. Related to minimalism, this could include remaking a piece of furniture, but it might just be changing the function of part of your living room.

18. Consolidate

To consolidate is to combine into one. This is something that I teach a lot about in my own courses. It includes going around your home and combining like objects into one holder.

For example, combining old shampoo with the new one you just bought in order to save space.

19. Frugal

Frugal means being money conscious and careful with budgets. It can also refer to the same practice with food.

20. Essentialism

Related to minimalism, essentialism is keeping or doing only what is truly necessary. That could be only doing the tasks that move the needle forward on very specific goals.

21. Pretentious

Pretentious = snooty? Pretending to be more important than you are, or being showy. It can also come off as being judgy and telling others what they’re doing wrong – coming, of course, from an area of self-importance.

I always say, “nobody likes a pretentious minimalist”.

22. Sparse

Sparse means scattered and in short supply. So, if you have a sparse pantry, then you don’t have much food. Maybe a few items here and a few items there. This word usually has a negative connotation related to minimalism. It might mean having too little.

23. Practical

Practical, when related to minimalism, is a level of minimalism that isn’t overbearing. Like I said before, there are many levels that one might choose to practice for themselves.

I personally practice practical minimalism. I have a family of four here and we’re not living out of suitcases because that would not be practical for us.

So, still keeping away the clutter and maintaining mindfulness and awareness of belongings, but on a reasonable level.