Iota Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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iota

[aɪˈoʊtə ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

small amount

An iota is an extremely small amount or quantity. It is often used in contexts to express minimalism or insignificance, indicating that not even the slightest amount of something is present.

Synonyms

bit, molecule, smidgen.

Examples of usage

  • There isn't an iota of evidence to support his claim.
  • She didn't show an iota of interest in the proposal.
  • Not an iota of doubt crossed his mind before making the decision.
Context #2 | Noun

Greek letter

Iota is also the ninth letter of the Greek alphabet, represented as 'Ι' in uppercase and 'ι' in lowercase. In mathematical and scientific contexts, it may be used to symbolize various concepts.

Examples of usage

  • The variable was denoted by the Greek letter iota.
  • In geometry, iota often appears in formulas involving angles.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'iota'

The word 'iota' originates from the Greek letter 'iota' (Ι, ι), which is the smallest letter in the Greek alphabet. The term has been used in English since the 14th century, initially referring to the letter itself. Over time, it evolved to signify something very small or insignificant, largely due to its association with being the minor, least significant component in various contexts. In English literature, you can find 'iota' being employed metaphorically to emphasize the insignificance of something, often in a negative sense, such as lacking an 'iota of respect.' The usage of the term is prevalent in modern commentary, speech, and writing, underscoring human perceptions of size and worth in comparison to larger quantities or concepts.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,005, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.