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Glite Dictionary
small indefinite quantity

small indefinite quantity

6.0
A tiny, not exact bit of something
  • noun
translation icon : pequeña cantidad indefinida
  • She added a small indefinite quantity of salt to enhance the flavor.

Examples

  • There was only a small indefinite quantity of evidence to support the claim.

  • I need a small indefinite quantity of sugar for the recipe.

  • A recipe may call for a small indefinite quantity of certain spices rather than a precise measurement.

  • Can you give me a small indefinite quantity of that spice?

  • For this dish, you only need a small indefinite quantity of garlic to add flavor.

  • The gardener suggested using a small indefinite quantity of fertilizer to promote growth.

  • He asked for a small indefinite quantity of water to quench his thirst.

Synonyms

little bit
vssmall indefinite quantity
∞ 1.0

A small amount of something

is used for amounts that are below average in size without judgment
little
vssmall indefinite quantity
1 1.0

A very small amount or short time

focuses on amounts that are below average in size rather than duration
measly amount
vssmall indefinite quantity
  • Informal
5.1

A very small amount that is not enough

refers to amounts below average without the negative judgment

Antonyms

large indefinite quantity
4.9

An amount that is large but not exactly known

How Much

a little
∞ 1.0
small indefinite quantity
6.0
pinch
33 1.0
smidgen
  • Informal
9 7.3
trace
492 3.3

Surface Forms

small indefinite quantity singular
small indefinite quantities plural

Morphology

small + indefinite + quantity

The phrase's meaning is directly determined by its parts: 'small' (limited in size) + 'indefinite' (not fixed/clearly known) + 'quantity' (amount), so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words can infer it. This adjective+adjective+noun compositional pattern is regular in English and common across languages, making the expression transparently interpretable.

Etymology

The phrase small indefinite quantity comes from everyday cooking and home life, where you might add a small indefinite quantity of spice—a 'pinch' or a 'dash'—without measuring. So it means 'a small amount that is not exact'.