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modicum — a small quantity of a particular thing, especially something considered desirable or valuable

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: a small quantity of a particular thing, especially something considered desirable or valuable

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmɑːdɪkəm/

Example Sentences

  • My boss expects perfection but doesn't show even a modicum of appreciation for our hard work.
  • If you had a modicum of cooking skills, you wouldn't have turned pasta into charcoal.
  • The movie lacked even a modicum of originality - it was just another superhero remake.

modicum

NOUN

[/ˈmɑːdɪkəm/]

a small quantity of a particular thing, especially something considered desirable or valuable

an elderly grandmother carefully measures out a tiny pinch of expensive saffron from a small glass jar onto a wooden spoon. She holds the spoon delicately, showing the precious golden threads to her curious granddaughter. The small amount of saffron glows warmly as she sprinkles it into a large pot of rice. The little girl watches with wide eyes, understanding this ingredient is special and valuable. A few other spice jars sit nearby, but this one is treated with extra care. a small quantity of something particularly desirable and valuable being used
💡 Concept

an elderly grandmother carefully measures out a tiny pinch of expensive saffron from a small glass jar onto a wooden spoon. She holds the spoon delicately, showing the precious golden threads to her curious granddaughter. The small amount of saffron glows warmly as she sprinkles it into a large pot of rice. The little girl watches with wide eyes, understanding this ingredient is special and valuable. A few other spice jars sit nearby, but this one is treated with extra care. a small quantity of something particularly desirable and valuable being used

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈmɑːdɪkəm/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈmɒdɪkəm/

🌳Etymology

Rootmodic-
Suffix--um

Origin

From Latin 'modicum' meaning 'a small amount' or 'moderate portion,' derived from 'modicus' (moderate, restrained) which comes from 'modus' (measure, limit, way).

Breakdown

modic- (moderate, measured) + -um (Latin neuter ending, indicating 'a thing that is')

🎵Rhyme

podiumsodiumstadium
podium
sodium
stadium

🔗Collocations

a modicum of sense
modicum of respect
without a modicum of
modicum of truth
modicum of dignity
modicum of privacy

📝Examples

“My boss expects perfection but doesn't show even a modicum of appreciation for our hard work.”

😄 Fun example

“If you had a modicum of cooking skills, you wouldn't have turned pasta into charcoal.”

“The movie lacked even a modicum of originality - it was just another superhero remake.”

😄 Fun example

“She managed to maintain a modicum of composure even when her cat knocked over her wedding cake.”

📚Related Words

Synonyms

bittracetouchhintsmidgen

Antonyms

abundanceexcessplenty

Related

minimummoderatemodestfractionportion

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