modicum

American  

[mod-i-kuhm, moh-di-] / ˈmɒd ɪ kəm, ˈmoʊ dɪ- /

noun

1. a moderate or small amount.

   He hasn't even a modicum of common sense.

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modicum British  

/ ˈmɒdɪkəm /

noun

1. a small amount or portion

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Etymology

Origin of modicum

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

Example Sentences

Bonds could provide jittery investors with a modicum of safety and income as well.

From Barron's

He was the only one toward whom the brute displayed any modicum of trust.

From Literature

Given a modicum of hope, there’s always room to make matters worse.

From Los Angeles Times

Yes, traders may be overweight the sector, and parts are richly valued in terms of price-to-earnings multiples, but such factors have caused only a modicum of exposure reduction by investors so far.

From MarketWatch

At least not without a modicum of heartbreak.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• iota
• ounce
• shred