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modicum

modicum

21 8.4
A small amount of something good or useful
  • noun
  • /ˈmɒdɪkəm/
: mínimo
  • That little modicum at least I was able to insist upon.
  • a modicum of stability
  • a modicum of respect
  • a modicum of support

If you just pay a modicum of attention, you'll see it.

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Examples

  • We were just hoping that there would be some place private, you know, where he could have a modicum of privacy...

  • Your Honor, would you please instruct counsel to proceed with a modicum of sensitivity?

    Fiction book (2001)
  • I'd appreciate a modicum of respect for myself and my team.

  • And there was a time back during my training and shortly thereafter where doctors had at least a modicum of common sense.

  • The world seems to be expanding for those who require a modicum of comfort along with their adventure.

    Academic text (1995)
  • Political reform by itself is a relatively simple matter, given a modicum of goodwill.

    Academic text (2011)
  • I've known Claudine for a long time, and I do owe her a modicum of respect.

  • However, there are a number of promising hypotheses, and some are backed by a modicum of empirical evidence.

    Academic text (2012)
  • Somewhere along the line, Jack McLaughlin, drifter, had learned at least a modicum of good manners.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • Despite the challenges, she maintained a modicum of hope throughout the difficult times.

Synonyms

little bit
vsmodicum
∞ 1.0

A small amount of something

highlights that small amount often refers to something desirable or valuable
little
vsmodicum
143 1.0

A very small amount or short time

focuses on small amounts that are especially desirable or valuable
driblet
vsmodicum
1 9.3

A very small amount of something, often a liquid like a few drops

is used more for any small valuable or desirable quantity
maniple
vsmodicum
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A small amount that can be held in one hand

is the modern term emphasizing a tiny valued or desirable amount

A tiny, not exact bit of something

means a small amount that usually implies worth or desirability

Antonyms

104 3.3

A large amount of something, more than you need

102 4.1

More than needed or wanted

How Much

abundance
104 3.3
plenty
∞ 1.0
amount
∞ 1.0
modicum
21 8.4
trace
498 3.3

Surface Forms

modicum singular
modicums plural
modica plural

Etymology

The word modicum comes from the Latin modicus, from modus meaning 'measure', and you can see the same root in moderate. So think of a 'small measure': a modicum is a very small amount of something.