Modicum: meaning, definitions and examples

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modicum

 

[ หˆmษ’dษชkษ™m ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

a small amount

A modicum refers to a small quantity of something, typically an amount that is considered inadequate or insufficient. It is often used to describe a minimal or token amount of something.

Synonyms

little bit, scant, small amount, trace

Examples of usage

  • There was only a modicum of truth in his statement.
  • She showed a modicum of interest in the topic.
  • The restaurant had a modicum of success in its first year.
  • We managed to find a modicum of peace in the midst of chaos.
  • I can only offer you a modicum of help in this situation.
Context #2 | Noun

a small degree of a quality or trait

A modicum can also refer to a small degree or amount of a particular quality or trait. It is often used to indicate a slight or minimal presence of something.

Synonyms

hint, slight amount, small degree, touch

Examples of usage

  • She possessed only a modicum of patience.
  • He showed a modicum of talent in his performance.
  • The student demonstrated a modicum of understanding of the concept.
  • There was a modicum of respect in his tone.
  • We need at least a modicum of cooperation to succeed.

Translations

Translations of the word "modicum" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น mรญnimo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฅเฅ‹เคกเคผเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช wenig

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ sedikit

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฝะตะฒะตะปะธะบะฐ ะบั–ะปัŒะบั–ัั‚ัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ odrobina

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅฐ‘้‡

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท peu

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ poco

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท az miktar

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์†Œ๋Ÿ‰

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู‚ู„ูŠู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ trocha

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ trochu

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฐ‘้‡

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ malo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ lรญtiรฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐะท ะผำฉะปัˆะตั€ะดะต

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒชแƒแƒขแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ az miqdar

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ poco

Etymology

The word 'modicum' originated from the Latin word 'modicus,' which means 'moderate' or 'just enough.' It entered the English language in the late 15th century and has been used to refer to a small amount or degree ever since. The term has evolved to convey the idea of a minimal or token quantity, often used in contexts where scarcity or inadequacy is emphasized.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,382, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.