Small amount: meaning, definitions and examples

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small amount

 

[ smɔːl əˈmaʊnt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in finance

A small amount refers to a quantity of money that is not significant or substantial.

Synonyms

insignificant quantity, minor amount, modest sum.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
small amount

Same as the first entry: used to describe a quantity that is not large, generally neutral in tone.

  • She added a small amount of sugar to her coffee
  • Even a small amount of exercise each day can improve your health
modest sum

Primarily used to describe money or finances, indicating a sum that is not large but sufficient. Often has a neutral or positive connotation.

  • She saved a modest sum each month
  • They asked for a modest sum as a donation
insignificant quantity

Used when the quantity is not only small but also unimportant or negligible. Often carries a negative connotation.

  • The error in measurement was within an insignificant quantity
  • The donation, though appreciated, was an insignificant quantity compared to what's needed
minor amount

Used to describe a small quantity, often implying that it is not of major importance in the overall context.

  • A minor amount of rain fell overnight
  • The patient had a minor amount of swelling around the incision

Examples of usage

  • The company decided to invest only a small amount in the new project.
  • She only lent him a small amount to help him out of his financial troubles.
Context #2 | Noun

in cooking

A small amount in cooking refers to a measurement that is less than the standard portion.

Synonyms

dash, pinch, sprinkle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
small amount

Use when you need to refer to a tiny quantity of something in general contexts, not necessarily related to food or cooking.

  • She added a small amount of sugar to her coffee.
  • He only has a small amount of time left to finish the project.
pinch

Commonly used in cooking to indicate a tiny amount of a dry ingredient, usually one that can be picked up between the thumb and forefinger.

  • Add a pinch of pepper to the sauce.
  • A pinch of cinnamon can elevate the flavor of the cake.
dash

Appropriate in culinary contexts, usually referring to a small quantity of liquid or spice added to a dish.

  • Add a dash of lemon juice to the salad.
  • She put a dash of salt in the soup.
sprinkle

Used when referring to spreading or scattering small amounts of a dry ingredient over the surface of food.

  • Sprinkle some cheese over the pasta.
  • He sprinkled a bit of parsley on top of the soup.

Examples of usage

  • The recipe calls for adding a small amount of salt for flavor.
  • When baking, a small amount of baking powder can make a big difference in the texture of the cake.

Translations

Translations of the word "small amount" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pequena quantidade

🇮🇳 छोटी मात्रा

🇩🇪 kleine Menge

🇮🇩 jumlah kecil

🇺🇦 мала кількість

🇵🇱 mała ilość

🇯🇵 少量

🇫🇷 petite quantité

🇪🇸 pequeña cantidad

🇹🇷 küçük miktar

🇰🇷 소량

🇸🇦 كمية صغيرة

🇨🇿 malé množství

🇸🇰 malé množstvo

🇨🇳 少量

🇸🇮 majhna količina

🇮🇸 lítið magn

🇰🇿 аз мөлшер

🇬🇪 პატარა რაოდენობა

🇦🇿 kiçik miqdar

🇲🇽 pequeña cantidad

Etymology

The term 'small amount' has been in use for centuries, dating back to Old English. It is a simple and straightforward phrase that has remained consistent in meaning over time. The concept of measuring and quantifying small amounts has been essential in various fields, from finance to cooking, highlighting the importance of precision and accuracy in different contexts.