modicum

[ mod-i-kuhm, moh-di- ]

noun

1. a moderate or small amount:

   He hasn't even a modicum of common sense.

modicum

/ ˈmɒdɪkəm /

noun

1. a small amount or portion

Word History and Origins

Origin of modicum¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin, noun use of neuter of modicus “moderate,” equivalent to modi-, combining form of modus limit ( mode ¹ ) + -cus adjective suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of modicum¹

C15: from Latin: a little way, from modicus moderate

Example Sentences

I used to rush in, taking on the helper role because it offered warmth and a modicum of love.

From Los Angeles Times

The style is funny and cute, and while it offers him a modicum of privacy, it also makes you want to revisit the real thing when the film is over.

From Los Angeles Times

This would have been stronger with a modicum of restraint.

From Salon

So the Republican governor has been begging his party's nominees to stop, but because they lack even a modicum of decency, they have kept pushing the weird hoax.

From Salon

This is when black Africans who achieve a modicum of success, whether at home or abroad, find themselves having to support less well-off family members.

From BBC

Related Words

• iota
• ounce
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