Smidge: meaning, definitions and examples

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smidge

 

[ smɪdʒ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

a small amount

A smidge is a tiny, itty-bitty bit of something. It's just a smidge of sugar in my tea, not too much.

Synonyms

bit, dash, hint, trace.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
smidge

Used to describe a very small amount of something, typically informal and often in a friendly context.

  • Can you add just a smidge of salt?
  • I'm feeling a smidge tired today.
bit

Generally used to refer to a small quantity of something. Very versatile and can be used in many contexts.

  • Could I have a bit more coffee?
  • It's just a bit cold outside.
dash

Often used in cooking to refer to a small, quick addition of an ingredient. Informal, but common in recipes.

  • Add a dash of pepper to the soup.
  • The recipe calls for a dash of vinegar.
hint

Typically used to signify a small, almost undetectable amount of something, often in a sensory context like taste or smell.

  • I can smell a hint of lavender in the air.
  • The sauce has a hint of lemon.
trace

Used to describe an extremely small amount of something, often in contexts where precision is important, such as scientific or technical settings.

  • There's only a trace of evidence left.
  • The dish contains trace amounts of nuts.

Examples of usage

  • I only need a smidge of salt for this recipe.
  • She added a smidge of hot sauce to her meal.
Context #2 | Verb

to add a small amount

To smidge means to add a tiny amount of something. It's often used informally.

Synonyms

dab, sprinkle, spritz.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
smidge

Use 'smidge' when referring to a very small amount of something, often in casual or informal conversations.

  • Could you add a smidge of salt to the soup? I only need a smidge of help
sprinkle

Use 'sprinkle' when you are talking about scattering small particles or drops over a surface, such as spices on food or water on plants.

  • Sprinkle some cheese on top of the pasta
  • She likes to sprinkle glitter on her art projects
dab

Use 'dab' to describe a small amount of a substance applied lightly, often in contexts involving liquids or soft substances.

  • She put a dab of paint on the canvas
  • Apply a dab of lotion to your hands
spritz

Use 'spritz' when referring to a quick, light spray of liquid, often used for spraying water, perfume, or cleaning products.

  • Give the plants a spritz of water
  • She spritzed some perfume before going out

Examples of usage

  • Can you please smidge some pepper on my salad?
  • She decided to smidge a little more cinnamon into the batter.

Translations

Translations of the word "smidge" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pequena quantidade

🇮🇳 थोड़ी मात्रा

🇩🇪 kleine Menge

🇮🇩 sedikit

🇺🇦 невелика кількість

🇵🇱 mała ilość

🇯🇵 少量

🇫🇷 petite quantité

🇪🇸 pequeña cantidad

🇹🇷 küçük miktar

🇰🇷 작은 양

🇸🇦 كمية صغيرة

🇨🇿 malé množství

🇸🇰 malé množstvo

🇨🇳 少量

🇸🇮 majhna količina

🇮🇸 lítið magn

🇰🇿 аздаған мөлшер

🇬🇪 პატარა რაოდენობა

🇦🇿 kiçik miqdar

🇲🇽 pequeña cantidad

Etymology

The origin of the word 'smidge' is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the early 20th century in the United States. It is thought to be a combination of the words 'smidgen' and 'tidge,' both of which mean a small amount. Over time, 'smidge' has become a popular slang term for a tiny quantity of something.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,054, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.